Chipmunks Nursery OSC, Stirchley

Water flowing through pipes, a nature walk and sensory play gave Chipmunks Nursery OSC, Stirchley a practical, exploratory character in April 2025. Based at Lakeside Centre in Telford, it has capacity for 63 children, with a current age range from birth to five.

At its April 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, finding effective safeguarding, good progress and strong support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The learning examples make that judgement tangible: children experimented, practised physical skills and took increasing responsibility for everyday tasks.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care, with play helping children build language, movement and independence.

In April 2025, babies explored feathers and cotton wool, bringing sensory discovery together with coordination. Toddlers investigated growing things on a nature walk, while preschool children collaborated to move water through tubes and pipes. These were experiences that gave children something to investigate and solve together.

Physical exploration mattered too. Babies practised balance on ride-on toys and steadied themselves against furniture; older children experimented with sliding down outdoor slopes on metal trays. Quiet, comfortable reading spaces offered a different pace, alongside expressive storytelling and opportunities to recall familiar phrases.

Language work included describing play, introducing vocabulary and inviting conversation. However, adults sometimes supplied answers too quickly, reducing older children's opportunity to think and contribute their own ideas.

In April 2025, the key-person arrangement helped children build close relationships with staff. Adapted activities and individual learning plans supported children with SEND, while communication with outside agencies formed part of that support.

Everyday independence was practised in manageable steps: toddlers washed their hands before food, and preschool children carried meals from the cook to their tables. Daily toothbrushing and outdoor play brought health routines into the day.

Parents received updates through conversations, an online system and newsletters. Staff also had supervision and professional development, alongside support for their wellbeing. Behaviour expectations needed more consistent reinforcement, so that children received clearer guidance about the rules.

The address is Lakeside Centre, Stirchley, Telford, TF3 1ET. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with year-round opening except bank holidays and Christmas.

In April 2025, session times ran from 7.30am to 5.30pm, and early education funding was provided for eligible children. These are dated arrangements rather than a description of current booking patterns.

• Time to answer. Adults sometimes moved conversations on before older children could respond in April 2025. On a visit, ask how practitioners now allow children time to develop their answers.
• Consistent boundaries. Behaviour guidance was uneven in April 2025. Ask how expectations are reinforced across activities and staff.
• Attendance and costs. How would your intended attendance pattern work, including any funded hours, meals and consumables, in a current written quotation?

Chipmunks suits families who value hands-on exploration, outdoor activity and everyday independence. Its April 2025 inspection gives a positive account of care and learning, with two concrete priorities: allowing children more thinking time and making behaviour guidance consistent. Those are useful points to explore alongside the practical fit of the opening hours.