Nesham Private Nursery

Go-karts, a pet tortoise and children choosing their own storybook give Nesham Private Nursery a recognisable character in its November 2021 account of daily life. Physical play and opportunities to make decisions ran through the day. These are useful details for parents looking beyond a headline grade.

At its 29 November 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding overall. Nesham has capacity for 63 children, with an accepted age range of 3 to 60 months, at Nesham Place in Houghton le Spring.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday experiences help children build communication, movement and independence.

In November 2021, the enclosed garden offered tyres for climbing, a swing and go-karts, alongside football, yoga and parachute play. Smaller movements received attention too, through dough, jelly and supervised use of tools. Babies practised lying on their stomachs to develop the strength needed for crawling. This connected immediate play with later physical skills.

Weekly outings in November 2021 extended learning beyond the nursery. Children bought cooking ingredients locally and used the nursery bus to visit woods and landmarks. Pumpkin trails and lantern parades added shared experiences. Caring for the pet tortoise and growing herbs brought responsibility into everyday activity.

Children also voted for a weekly book and made story props in November 2021. Books prompted conversation, while questions encouraged longer answers and new vocabulary. Children had a say in what happened, rather than simply following an adult's choices.

At the November 2021 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding and strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with parents and professionals contributing to plans that helped children progress.

In November 2021, staff used sign language to support communication and planned learning around each child's existing abilities. Stories helped children discuss emotions; sand timers made taking turns easier to understand. These were concrete ways to support participation and relationships.

Parents received information about the day and ideas for learning at home in November 2021. Staff worked with families and local schools on preparation for the next stage. Children practised using cups and cutlery, and learned about tooth care, healthy eating and safety near the firepit during forest school activities, involving outdoor learning.

Management also supported staff wellbeing and used parents' views alongside reflection on children's experiences in November 2021. That attention extended beyond individual activities to how the nursery organised care.

The address is Nesham Place, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8AE. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In November 2021, session times ran from 7.30am to 6pm, and funded early education covered children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of the attendance and funding arrangements.

• Inspection date. The Outstanding judgement dates to November 2021. Use that date when weighing the detailed account of care and activities.
• Outdoor learning. The November 2021 experience included bus outings and firepit safety. At a visit, ask how these experiences are organised for your child's age.
• Attendance and funding. The nursery opens across the year, with bank holiday and Christmas closures. Ask which booking patterns and funded arrangements would fit your intended attendance.

Nesham suits families seeking care across the year who value practical learning and children's growing independence. Its November 2021 account combines energetic garden play with conversation, choices and everyday responsibilities. The dated Outstanding judgement gives that account weight; the current opening window provides a useful starting point for planning family routines.