The Meadows Cheeky Chimps Childcare

Toddlers serving spaghetti with tongs and preschool children washing their own plates give a clear picture of the emphasis on independence at The Meadows Cheeky Chimps Childcare in November 2024. Small everyday tasks mattered here. The nursery has capacity for 66 children and is based at Kingsdown School Sports Centre in Swindon.

At its 27 November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found that children progressed well from their starting points, judged safeguarding effective and highlighted very good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The improvements requested were specific: staffing when babies separated from parents, and participation by quieter children during group activities.

In November 2024, learning followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care. Staff used children's interests and what they already knew to plan their next learning steps, linking play with language, numbers and practical skills.

Babies heard songs and descriptions of their play, while toddlers explored hand puppets and globes that lit up. Construction play brought opportunities to recognise shapes and numerals. Outdoors, older children dug in sand, investigated puddles and discussed animal habitats. These examples connected conversation with things children could handle and investigate.

Group activities included making Christmas decorations from different materials. In November 2024, these gave children opportunities to create together and practise taking turns, although quieter children sometimes had fewer chances to contribute. Participation deserves attention alongside the finished activity.

In November 2024, children formed close relationships with their key persons. Staff used signing and portable picture cards to help children who struggled to communicate verbally express their needs. Support also involved collaboration with outside professionals and the use of additional funding.

Independence extended beyond play: toddlers practised wiping their noses, and children used low mirrors when washing their faces. Preschool children served snacks and got themselves ready for outdoor play. These were concrete opportunities to practise managing everyday needs.

Communication worked in both directions with other settings children attended. In November 2024, families could join activities including pumpkin picking, Christmas tree decorating and visits from farm animals. That gave parents opportunities to share experiences with their children as well as discuss learning.

The address is Kingsdown School Sports Centre, Hyde Road, Swindon, SN2 7SH.

In November 2024, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, with year-round operation apart from bank holidays and a Christmas closure lasting a week. The children attending at that time were aged 0 to 10. These are dated operating details rather than a current attendance offer.

Government-funded childcare was offered in November 2024. Families should obtain a current written quotation for prices.

• Support for babies separating from parents. In November 2024, staff sometimes interrupted their engagement with babies to comfort others separating from carers. Ask how staffing now accommodates babies needing extra reassurance.
• A voice for quieter children. Group activities in November 2024 did not consistently give quieter children enough opportunity to contribute. Ask how practitioners draw their ideas into shared activities.

The November 2024 picture suits families who value practical independence, language woven into play and opportunities to take part in nursery activities. Picture cards, signing and everyday self-care tasks make that picture concrete. For parents of babies or quieter children, the two improvement points warrant close attention: comfort during separation and a fair opportunity to contribute matter as much as the activities themselves.