Orchard House Nursery

In May 2023, books, obstacle courses and home-grown strawberries gave Orchard House Nursery a clear character: learning through stories, movement and everyday tasks. At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall. That judgement provides a useful starting point, with early mathematics and consistency of teaching the important qualifications.

On Orchard Street in Tamworth, the nursery has capacity for 40 children aged 3 to 60 months. Its inspection-era strengths were concrete rather than elaborate: children chose their play, helped with practical jobs and spent time outdoors.

In May 2023, stories invited active participation. Children discussed illustrations, predicted what might happen and joined in familiar passages, building vocabulary and an understanding of written language. Books were part of everyday learning rather than an occasional activity.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the May 2023 examples included language through stories, physical learning outdoors and independence through practical tasks. Resources supported children's own choices as well as activities organised by staff.

Outdoor play in May 2023 included ball-rolling for babies and obstacle-course construction for older children. Growing potatoes, strawberries and tomatoes connected outdoor activity with food children could eat. Different experiences served different stages of development.

Early mathematics needed more attention in May 2023. Staff understood children's next learning steps, but sometimes missed chances to act on them during play, including counting with construction materials. Knowing a child's next step did not consistently translate into timely teaching.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and recognised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children learning English as an additional language, with parents and other professionals involved in helping children progress.

In May 2023, an established key-person arrangement supported close relationships between children and staff. Behaviour expectations were taught through age-appropriate reminders about considerate actions and speech; older children shared turns and offered one another help.

Practical responsibility also mattered in May 2023. Helping clear up after breakfast earned recognition, while handwashing before meals linked everyday routines with health. Work with parents included helping them support learning at home.

The address is Orchard Street, Tamworth, B79 7RE. Opening hours are 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In May 2023, funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-old children. That dated participation should be distinguished from the nursery's current attendance arrangements.

• Mathematics in everyday play. In May 2023, opportunities to extend early number skills were sometimes missed. Look for how counting and mathematical ideas now enter children's chosen activities.
• Consistency of teaching. In May 2023, monitoring staff practice needed strengthening. Families should weigh the curriculum alongside how reliably practitioners put it into action.
• Attendance fit. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays. At a visit, which booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your child's routine?

Orchard House suits families who value books, practical independence and outdoor activity within a weekday childcare setting. Its May 2023 picture combines warm relationships and varied experiences with specific teaching improvements to pursue. The strongest decision rests on both: the everyday experiences children enjoyed and the consistency with which their next learning steps were supported.