Queenborough Babies & Toddlers

In December 2024, a toddler's key person moved with them to the on-site nursery, a standout care arrangement at Queenborough Babies & Toddlers. At its December 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Outstanding, judged safeguarding effective and found that children made exceptional progress.

The setting has six places in total and occupies premises at Queenborough Primary School. In December 2024, the children attending were aged 0 to 2. The small whole-setting capacity is useful context, rather than a measure of how many children share an activity.

In December 2024, learning started with information from families about their child's background and existing abilities. Staff then shaped activities around individual interests and the next developmental step. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care: here, its practical expression included communication, movement and learning to play alongside others.

Language grew through small exchanges. In December 2024, practitioners responded to babies' pointing and gaze, named toy animals and used Old MacDonald Had a Farm to introduce animal sounds. A familiar song became a way to connect words with play.

Movement had equally concrete support. In December 2024, interesting objects encouraged babies to crawl, while large sponge shapes gave toddlers opportunities to balance, climb and roll. Outdoor equipment and visits to the on-site nursery added further physical challenges. Resources within children's reach supported their choices; a turn-taking ball game gave young toddlers practice in waiting and sharing.

In December 2024, settling began with brief visits, increasing as babies became comfortable. Children could stay near their key person and return for reassurance. That made the relationship a practical source of comfort throughout the day.

Individual routines also shaped care in December 2024. Children ate in response to hunger, and mobile children could choose to rest through access to the sleep room. These arrangements gave children opportunities to recognise and respond to their own needs.

Support extended beyond daily care. In December 2024, managers worked with a speech and language therapist, while families could access food banks and parent training. Daily communication helped parents follow their child's experiences. Staff received regular supervision and could consult a counsellor on site. Managers reduced excessive workloads, supported professional development and reviewed provision regularly.

The address is Queenborough School & Nursery, Edward Road, Queenborough ME11 5DF. In December 2024, the unit operated during term time, opening Monday to Thursday from 8am to 5pm and Friday from 8am to 4.30pm. These were opening hours, rather than defined booking sessions.

In December 2024, the setting received funding for care and early education for children aged nine months to two years.

Moving to the on-site nursery involved repeated visits with the child's key person in December 2024; that practitioner then moved with the child and continued their care. This was continuity of care across nursery stages. Attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at the school.

• Term-time arrangements. The December 2024 operating pattern followed term time and ended earlier on Fridays. When visiting, what current booking and funded-hours arrangements would cover your family's childcare needs?
• The next nursery stage. In December 2024, the key person accompanied children through visits and their move to the on-site nursery. That continuity matters when weighing an early transition, while Reception admission remains a separate decision.

Queenborough Babies & Toddlers suits families who value individual routines, gradual settling and continuity with a familiar practitioner. Its December 2024 account offers concrete reasons for that judgement: responsive language work, physical play and a carefully supported move to the next nursery stage. The term-time operating pattern is an equally important practical consideration.