Lighthouse Day Nursery

Herbs in play dough and water carried into a wheelbarrow give Lighthouse Day Nursery's October 2022 account its character: practical play with opportunities to explore texture, movement and volume. Small actions carry the learning.

At its 18 October 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good. The setting at 34 Yarm Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3NG has capacity for 34 children, with a current age range of 4 to 59 months.

In October 2022, children used pincers to lift conkers from an autumn activity tray, exercising the hand control needed for writing. A water station and wheelbarrow gave them a practical way to explore volume. These were concrete learning opportunities, although teaching sometimes pitched the task above or below a child's stage of development.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing learning into everyday play and interaction. In October 2022, stories were shared individually and in small groups, with objects from different countries helping children explore their wider world. Staff explained unfamiliar vocabulary during activities, connecting words with experiences.

At the October 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well supported and making good progress. The special educational needs coordinator responded promptly to gaps in learning.

In October 2022, staff comforted upset children with cuddles and reassurance, while daily conversations kept parents informed about progress. Parent volunteers also read stories and shared their expertise. This gave families a practical role in nursery life.

Support reached beyond childcare in October 2022: some families received food packs, vouchers and learning resources, alongside help registering with doctors and dentists. Home-language support was less consistent. Staff did not reliably bring children's familiar words into activities or explain their value to parents.

The address is 34 Yarm Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3NG. Opening hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closure during the Christmas school holidays.

In October 2022, funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated funding position rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Matching the challenge. In October 2022, some activities were too difficult for certain children and too easy for others. During a visit, ask how practitioners adapt the same activity to different developmental stages.
• Home languages. October 2022 practice did not consistently incorporate children's home languages. Families using another language at home should discuss how familiar words will become part of their child's day.
• Attendance pattern. The weekday opening window runs from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Ask which booking arrangement would fit your family's working day.

Lighthouse merits consideration from families seeking weekday childcare and hands-on learning, with the October 2022 account also showing practical support for parents. Its strongest examples combine simple materials with purposeful interaction: conkers, water and story objects each give children something tangible to work with. The decision should also weigh how teaching is adapted for each child and how home languages are supported.