Precious Jem's

In October 2024, bread-making, borrowed books and a trip to the allotment gave Precious Jem's a practical, hands-on character. At its October 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall. The strongest thread through its daily life was learning through shared experiences, with books and conversation supporting play.

Based at Houldsworth Mill in Stockport, the nursery has 43 places in total. In October 2024, children attending were aged 0 to 3; that is the age range at that visit, rather than a current admissions limit.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the October 2024 activities brought those elements together through stories, practical tasks and play.

During that month, external providers delivered Spanish and sports lessons. Children also made bread, exploring food ingredients and nutrition through doing. An allotment visit extended learning beyond the nursery, while borrowing nursery books gave families a way to continue reading together at home.

Books also supported social learning. In October 2024, stories about friendship and feelings, together with emotion games, helped children explore how to treat one another. Children played together, welcomed others into games and helped clear away. Cultural celebrations and displayed Spanish words introduced different backgrounds and languages into everyday learning.

There were two teaching priorities. In October 2024, planned activities did not consistently address the next steps already identified for each child. Older children also had fewer chances to select craft materials and creative activities for themselves. For families, the distinction matters: adult guidance and freedom to choose both shape a child's day.

At the October 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, children making good progress, and prompt additional support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those speaking more than one language.

In October 2024, staff treated children gently and sensitively, and communication with parents took place both online and in person. This connected home life with nursery care. Daily hazard checks supported safety, and staff phones were restricted to designated spaces away from children.

Staff met senior leaders frequently to discuss their work and development. During October 2024, managers also used feedback from children, families and staff to evaluate provision. For the move to school, practitioners shared assessments directly with teachers, helping the next setting understand each child's learning.

The address is CG1 & CG2 Houldsworth Mill, Houldsworth Mill, Houldsworth Street, Stockport, SK5 6DA.

In October 2024, opening hours were 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operated throughout the year, with bank-holiday closures and a Christmas break lasting one week. At that time, it provided funded early education for two- and three-year-old children.

• Teaching next steps. October 2024 identified a gap between tracking children's learning and using that knowledge in planned activities. Ask how practitioners now tailor these activities to individual children.
• Creative independence. Older children's access to self-chosen craft activities needed extending in October 2024. A visit can explore how children choose materials and pursue their own ideas.
• Attendance fit. The October 2024 opening window covered weekdays across the year. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child?

Precious Jem's suits families who value practical activities, shared reading and close communication between home and nursery. Its October 2024 picture combined gentle interactions with Spanish, sport and learning beyond the building. The two teaching priorities deserve attention alongside those strengths: how staff use individual next steps, and how freely older children can choose creative activities.