Precious Little Smiles- Day Nursery, Stratford upon Avon

Creative play and everyday independence give this Mansell Street nursery its character: children experimented with rice-filled snowmen, managed pretend traffic signals and chose ingredients for their lunch in December 2023. There are 21 places in total, a whole-nursery capacity rather than a daily group size.

At its December 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four.

In December 2023, activities turned ordinary materials into opportunities to explore. Children filled containers with rice to construct snowmen, discussed the sounds it made and noticed how its movement changed as they poured. Staff used questions to extend these conversations, giving creative play a language-learning purpose.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the December 2023 examples included learning through play, conversation and practical tasks. Staff observed children and used what they noticed to choose further learning experiences.

Physical play also had a practical thread. In December 2023, children rode wheeled toys and responded to coloured hoops used as traffic signals. Movement activities included freeze tag and music, while outings helped children explore the surrounding community. These experiences connected physical activity with listening and responding to instructions.

In December 2023, key people gathered information from parents when children started, using it to shape individual care. Staff also shared ideas for learning at home. That connected nursery activities with family life rather than leaving parents with only an account of the day.

Older children demonstrated sharing to younger children, and staff handled small disagreements with gentle prompts. Praise encouraged children to take part. Daily safety checks covered equipment and premises, and outings were assessed for risk.

Meals in December 2023 were freshly prepared, with children and staff eating together. Children served themselves vegetables and cheese to add to pasta, making lunch another opportunity to practise independence.

The address is 8 Mansell Street, Stratford-upon-avon, CV37 6NR. In December 2023, opening hours were 7.15am to 6.15pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year; these describe the opening window at that time.

• Tooth-care learning. In December 2023, opportunities to teach children about looking after their teeth needed development. This matters alongside the nursery's food and independence activities.
• Curriculum planning. In December 2023, the provider planned activities and shared them with staff, but wider staff involvement needed strengthening. Parents should weigh this alongside the individual observations already informing activities.
• Attendance arrangements. The December 2023 opening window covered the working day. Which booking pattern would fit your family now?

This nursery merits consideration from families who value creative exploration, practical independence and communication between key people and parents. Its December 2023 strengths were concrete: conversation during construction play, shared meals and learning through movement. Oral-health education and broader staff participation in planning remain the relevant improvement points from that visit.