Hadley Under & Over 5's Nursery and Preschool

A real car became a learning resource here: in May 2023, children inspected it and recorded their checks with ticks and crosses. That practical connection between play and early writing gives Hadley Under & Over 5's Nursery and Preschool character.

The setting has 46 places in total and accepts children aged 3 to 60 months. At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good and found safeguarding effective. The strongest examples combined physical play, communication and everyday learning, although routines and opportunities for independence needed attention.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care: it connects communication, physical activity and other areas of learning with everyday play.

In May 2023, outdoor activities brought those areas together. Children steered scooters and tricycles around a bridge, practising movement and spatial awareness. Checking the real car gave mark-making a practical purpose rather than treating it as an isolated exercise.

Books also extended into play. In May 2023, We're going on a bear hunt prompted children to remember the story while cleaning muddy wellingtons in water. Staff used language screening and targeted interventions, then monitored their impact. These examples show how stories and individual language needs shaped activities at that time.

In May 2023, staff gathered information before children started and used it to plan their initial learning. Reassuring cuddles and praise supported relationships, while visual prompts helped children remember group rules. Staff also helped parents continue learning at home.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that adaptations and targeted plans developed with parents and professionals supported good progress for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and helped prepare them for school.

Two weaknesses qualify that picture. In May 2023, the organisation of activities prevented key persons from consistently supporting their own key children. Staff sometimes completed tasks that children could have attempted themselves. For families, the practical issue is whether familiar adults can stay involved in learning while allowing children time to try.

The address is Old School Buildings, Hadley Park Road, Leegomery, Telford, TF1 6PW. The nursery operates during term time and closes for school holidays, making the holiday calendar an important part of planning childcare.

In May 2023, funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

• Key-person continuity. In May 2023, routines interrupted consistent support from children's key persons. Look at how today's timetable protects that relationship.
• Growing independence. In May 2023, adults sometimes took over tasks too quickly. During a visit, look for children being given time and support to attempt things themselves.
• Attendance planning. Term-time operation means school holidays require separate planning. Which booking pattern would fit your family's week?

This is a term-time option for families whose childcare needs follow the school calendar. The May 2023 examples give outdoor play and language development substance: scooters, a real car and story-linked water play each served a learning purpose. The balance to weigh is equally concrete: consistent key-person involvement and more opportunities for children to manage tasks themselves.