Top Of The Tots

Kindness gives Top Of The Tots its clearest character: in September 2025, children were encouraged to think about how to help a friend who felt sad. Emotional understanding formed part of everyday play.

At its 4 September 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. Based at 3 Grange Road West in Jarrow, it has capacity for 12 children; the children attending at that inspection were aged 0 to 8.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning and care, with play helping them develop language, physical skills and understanding. In September 2025, children explored colour through painting, exercised their fingers with dough and invented situations in the home corner. Resources were within children's reach, allowing them to choose what to explore.

Language was a central emphasis that September. Adults introduced vocabulary during play and allowed time for children to answer questions. A pretend bus activity gave quieter children a role as the driver, creating a practical reason to join in and speak.

The outdoor space was unused on the inspection day. Children instead walked to a local park, where games and play equipment gave them opportunities for movement.

In September 2025, staff offered comfort and encouragement when children needed reassurance. Adults also helped children recognise feelings and respond considerately to one another. These conversations helped children consider how to support a friend who felt sad.

Daily diaries described children's learning, helping parents continue activities at home. Managers were available for conversations, including advice about toilet training, and links with local schools supported preparation for moving on.

Meals that September brought adults and children together, while snacks included vegetables and other healthy choices. Trying different foods was encouraged as part of the shared meal.

On 30 December 2025, Ofsted found welfare requirements unmet and issued a legal notice requiring effective supervision of staff and managers and better record keeping. At a follow-up visit on 20 January 2026, both actions were confirmed as met.

Sessions and Attendance

The address is 3 Grange Road West, Jarrow, NE32 3JA. In September 2025, the nursery operated throughout the year on weekdays, with sessions running from 8am to 6pm.

Funding and Paid Extras

Government-funded childcare places and specific funding for disadvantaged children formed part of the provision in September 2025.

• Mathematics in everyday play. The September 2025 improvement priorities included making more use of stories, songs and snack routines to explore numbers, shapes and size. Ask how these opportunities now feature in the day.
• Staff supervision and care records. Record keeping needed attention in September 2025 and was raised again alongside staff supervision in December 2025. Both actions were met on 20 January 2026. Ask how supervision and the new record systems are maintained in daily practice.
• Your child's attendance. The September 2025 session window was 8am to 6pm. Which booking pattern and age group would suit your child now?

Top Of The Tots suits families who value emotional understanding, conversation and imaginative play. Those were clear themes in September 2025, supported by approachable managers and daily learning diaries. The Good judgement provides a dated quality benchmark; mathematics in everyday routines remains a useful subject for discussion.