Shining Stars Nursery School

Language, stories and growing independence shaped Shining Stars Nursery School's day in December 2023. Children practising rhyme actions, remembering favourite stories and serving their own snacks were concrete examples of that approach in December 2023. These are small tasks with a useful purpose: helping children express themselves and take responsibility.

The nursery accepts children aged two to five at Staines Congregational Church in Staines-Upon-Thames. Ofsted rated it Good at its December 2023 inspection, with communication and language central to the learning programme, while asking staff to make the purpose of activities more precise.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing learning and everyday wellbeing together. In December 2023, songs with accompanying movements and conversations during creative play supported language development. Staff introduced descriptive vocabulary while children worked with glue and glitter, giving new words an immediate connection to what children were doing.

Books also played a practical role. In December 2023, older children remembered familiar stories and recited their rhymes; a book about emotions helped children explain their feelings and why they felt that way. Reading reached beyond listening to a story.

Physical activity included climbing equipment in December 2023, with adults nearby to support balancing and climbing. Staff also encouraged children to persist with assembling train track rather than immediately completing it for them. The learning priority was clearer planning: activities needed to build more deliberately on children's existing knowledge.

At the December 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities successful, with staff collaborating with families and other professionals to help children progress.

In December 2023, children sought comfort from adults when tasks became difficult. Staff encouraged independence through manageable responsibilities, including putting away belongings, helping with tidying and serving snacks. Familiar routines gave children opportunities to contribute to nursery life.

Assessment in December 2023 helped staff identify gaps in children's development and plan activities to address them. Parents interviewed that month reported receiving updates about progress, helping them continue learning at home. Staff supervision meetings covered individual children, staff wellbeing and professional development; recent training had addressed speech and language support.

The address is Staines Congregational Church, Stainash Crescent, Staines-Upon-Thames, TW18 1AY. Opening hours are 9am to 2.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to noon on Friday, during term time. The nursery closes for school holidays.

That shorter Friday matters when planning a working week. The holiday closures also make this a term-time arrangement rather than year-round childcare.

• Learning precision. In December 2023, some activities needed a clearer educational purpose. On a visit, ask how staff now choose activities that extend what an individual child already knows.
• Term-time planning. Friday finishes at noon and the nursery closes for school holidays. How would your preferred attendance pattern fit those hours?

Shining Stars suits families seeking term-time childcare for children aged two to five. Language and everyday independence were strengths observed in December 2023. Its December 2023 examples make that emphasis tangible: rhyme actions, story recall and children taking responsibility for small tasks. Sharper activity planning was the improvement priority. The shorter Friday and holiday closures are the practical deciding factors.