The Barn Childcare Hartburn

An allotment area, flower-printing activities and stories acted out with props gave Hartburn’s nursery day a practical character in July 2023. At its 10 July 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated The Barn Childcare Hartburn Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that carefully planned support, involving families and outside agencies, helped children with SEND learn.

Based at Elmwood Community Centre in Stockton On Tees, the setting has 87 places for children aged 3 to 60 months. That is whole-nursery capacity, rather than the size of an individual group.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care: everyday play and relationships support learning alongside children’s physical and emotional needs.

In July 2023, staff used assessments to decide what children should practise next. Language ran through activities: older children discussed the meanings of predator and camouflage, while stories became role play with props. Practising letters and their sounds also supported preparation for school.

Babies investigated soapy sponges by pressing and squeezing them. Older children made colour prints by hammering flowers inside folded cloth. These were hands-on ways to explore materials and connect words with experience.

Outdoor experiences in July 2023 included watering plants in the allotment area and learning about bees and pollen. Children also practised climbing trees and handling equipment safely, bringing physical challenge into their play.

In July 2023, staff responded to babies’ immediate emotional needs with cuddles, smiles and encouragement. Babies and toddlers were settled, and older children formed friendships. Knowing children’s interests helped staff adapt their responses to each child.

Mealtimes that July gave younger children opportunities to feed themselves and practise using cutlery. Adults sat alongside them and talked about food choices and drinking enough water. Parents received explanations of children’s learning and ways to support it at home, connecting nursery experiences with family life.

Staff had coaching and regular training in July 2023. The improvement priorities concerned evaluating how that training changed practice and helping older children manage turn-taking more independently.

The address is Elmwood Community Centre, 53 Darlington Road, Stockton On Tees, TS18 5EP. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In July 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. That describes participation at the inspection date rather than a current entitlement or charging arrangement.

• Turn-taking. In July 2023, older children needed clearer help understanding their wait and resolving turns themselves. This matters for children developing independence in group play.
• Training oversight. The July 2023 improvement priority included evaluating staff training more clearly, so its effect on everyday practice could be understood.
• Attendance and funding. With an opening window extending from early morning to evening, which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your child’s routine?

For families seeking practical, play-based experiences, the July 2023 picture has appeal: plant care, storytelling and exploration of materials gave children different ways to learn. The current weekday opening window may suit working families. The Good judgement provides a dated assessment, balanced by specific improvement priorities around turn-taking and training oversight.