Cheeky Chimps Childcare

Support for families went beyond the nursery day at Cheeky Chimps Childcare: in June 2026, leaders helped with housing difficulties and directed families towards food banks. That practical help gives this Washington setting a recognisable character, alongside its attention to children's individual needs.

At its 5 June 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership to meet the expected standard, with safeguarding standards met. There was no overall grade. The nursery has capacity for 29 children; children attending in June 2026 were aged 1 to 4.

In June 2026, learning followed children's next steps: staff explained unfamiliar words, used stories and songs, and brought counting into tasks such as setting the table. The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, its everyday expression included language, number, creative exploration and physical play.

Colour mixing and fruit printing gave children opportunities to experiment. Outdoors, a slide offered babies supported climbing practice, while toddlers exercised choice over their food. These examples show how learning and growing independence fitted into ordinary activities rather than remaining separate tasks.

Makaton signs helped children communicate during songs and activities in June 2026. Visits to a local café also introduced children to their surroundings. Older children explored letter sounds, although expectations during adult-led activities were sometimes unclear and some left before completing the learning.

At the June 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that children with SEND made secure progress, supported by adapted teaching, individual help and collaboration with families and outside agencies. Visual prompts, extra demonstrations and emotional support gave children different ways to participate.

In June 2026, staff responded sensitively to children's signals and used books about feelings with older babies. Care routines drew on children's experiences at home, while supervision covered sleep, outdoor activity and eating. Communication with parents explained the individual support plans in place, making the intended help easier to understand.

Leaders worked with suppliers on balanced meals in June 2026, and children discussed vegetables and energy. Staff also supported handwashing and comforted unwell children while awaiting collection.

The address is 10 Victoria Road, Washington, NE37 2SY. In June 2026, opening hours were 7.30am to 5.30pm from Monday to Thursday, with Friday running from 8am to 4pm. The earlier Friday finish matters when matching childcare to a working week.

These are opening hours. Families should distinguish the length of the nursery's day from the attendance pattern they intend to book.

• Older children's participation. In June 2026, staff did not consistently reinforce expectations during shared activities. Clearer guidance was needed to help children stay involved and develop habits for future learning.
• Transitions between activities. Children sometimes became restless because preparation for the next activity was unclear in June 2026. Ask how staff now organise these changes during the day.
• Noise levels. In June 2026, noise sometimes interfered with children's ability to hear instructions and concentrate. Reducing it was an improvement priority.
• Your attendance pattern. The June 2026 opening hours included a shorter Friday. Which booking pattern would fit your family's week?

Cheeky Chimps Childcare suits families who value practical support alongside early learning, especially those wanting individual needs discussed closely with staff. The June 2026 picture combined creative activities and everyday independence with less consistent management of group participation, transitions and noise. Those are meaningful points to weigh alongside the personal attention described above.