Priory Nursery, Stevenage Old Town

A story character made during sand play, daily Makaton greetings and giant pet snails give Priory Nursery, Stevenage Old Town a recognisable character. These were features of children's days in June 2024, when play, communication and small responsibilities sat alongside preparation for school.

At its 7 June 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective. The current age range is 18 months to five years. Opening hours run from 7.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday routines provide opportunities to practise language, movement and independence. In June 2024, staff adapted activities to children's ages, using singing and dancing to develop younger children's vocabulary and movement, while older children explored the sounds that begin words.

Children's ideas could change the direction of an activity. In June 2024, sand play led to making Stickman after children remembered the book character; conversation then explored other characters and the story's adventures. That example gives parents a concrete picture of learning that follows a child's interest rather than stopping at the planned task.

Daily Makaton sessions in June 2024 involved children greeting friends and identifying objects. Staff also gave children time to answer questions about their interests. Communication had a place in both group activities and individual conversations.

Responsibility extended beyond tidying. In June 2024, children helped care for giant pet snails and joined staff in checking the outdoor area for hazards. These were practical opportunities to contribute and recognise risks.

In June 2024, staff worked with families as children began attending, helping them settle into nursery routines. Children showed concern when friends were hurt, and staff acknowledged helpful behaviour. However, support during disagreements over play resources was inconsistent, making conflict resolution an important point for families to explore.

School preparation in June 2024 included collaboration with schools and practice with familiar routines: children served their meals and cleared away afterwards. Craft and role play also gave them opportunities to explore their new school uniforms. This brought the next stage into everyday activities rather than treating it solely as a future event.

Regular staff appraisals identified training needs in June 2024. Ongoing coaching needed strengthening so practitioners could better recognise where to develop their teaching.

The address is St. Johns Ambulance Hall, Stanmore Road, Stevenage, SG1 3QA. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, across the year, with closures for Spring Bank Holiday week and Christmas and New Year.

In June 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Disagreements in play. In June 2024, children needed more consistent help to resolve disputes. At a visit, ask how staff now support children when they want the same resource.
• Staff coaching. June 2024 brought a recommendation to strengthen ongoing coaching. The practical issue is how staff develop consistent teaching across activities.
• Funding and attendance. Funded early education was offered to two-, three- and four-year-olds in June 2024. What funded attendance arrangements and associated charges would apply to your child?

Priory suits families seeking weekday care for children from 18 months to five years, with an emphasis on communication, responsive play and growing independence evident in June 2024. Makaton greetings, story-led activities and caring for pet snails make that account tangible. The balanced decision also includes the June 2024 priorities: more consistent help with disagreements and stronger staff coaching.