Zoe Evans Childcare

Fields, woodland and children's discoveries give Zoe Evans Childcare its clearest character. In August 2023, children explored the neighbouring countryside, collected finds on treasure hunts and talked about the insects and plants they encountered. These were opportunities to connect language with things children could investigate themselves.

At its August 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall and identified effective safeguarding arrangements. The setting has capacity for 60 children at The Lodge, Holborough Road, Snodland, ME6 5PJ. Children attending in August 2023 were aged 1 to 7; that is a dated picture of the children then attending.

The strongest detail concerns how children used their surroundings and how staff adapted activities to different stages of development. Two improvement points also matter: more freedom in children's artwork and greater privacy during nappy changes.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play, communication and practical exploration into their day. In August 2023, activities took account of individual interests and learning needs, with children given opportunities to investigate and practise skills for themselves. That combination gave adult planning and children's choices a place alongside one another.

In August 2023, everyday mathematics included exploring capacity and shape as well as size and number. Conversations were another regular part of learning, while role play gave children opportunities to use their imagination. Art techniques were taught, but children needed more encouragement to decide how to use those techniques in work of their own. Learning a method and choosing what to make are different experiences; the latter was the improvement priority.

Rooms and Ages

In August 2023, children up to three mixed across ages, with staff adjusting activities so younger and older participants could take part together. Older children spent time with peers closer to their own age. For parents, the useful distinction is between mixed-age experiences for younger children and the peer-group arrangement for older children, rather than an assumed room structure.

The indoor and outdoor spaces in August 2023 combined smaller, comfortable areas with more expansive spaces for activity. This gave children different settings for quieter play and more energetic exploration.

Outdoor and Community Life

In August 2023, walks into the adjacent fields and woodland were regular experiences. Treasure hunts gave children material to examine and discuss afterwards, extending an outing into conversation and discovery.

Recycling and litter picking also formed part of the nursery day in August 2023. Children could take part in caring for their surroundings through practical tasks, rather than only hearing about environmental responsibility. Outdoor equipment provided physical challenges, alongside discussions about hazards such as poisonous berries.

At the August 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities brought parents and professionals together to coordinate care, including for children awaiting specialist assessment or help. This is an important dated finding for families whose child needs several adults or services to work together.

In August 2023, parents contributed to children's learning goals, and a lending library supported learning beyond the nursery day. Staff also learned words from children's home languages through conversations with parents. These arrangements gave families practical ways to contribute both to learning and to everyday communication.

Food in August 2023 comprised nutritious meals and snacks suited to children's dietary needs and preferences. Children practised handwashing around meals and toileting, and learned to use tissues.

Nappy changing required attention in August 2023: although hygiene procedures were followed, staff sometimes chose a location in the group room that did not give sufficient privacy. The improvement concerned children's dignity during intimate care, a separate issue from cleanliness.

The address is The Lodge, Holborough Road, Snodland, ME6 5PJ. Enquiries can be made through the contact form, by email at hello@zoeevanschildcare.co.uk or by telephone on 01634 245410.

In August 2023, opening hours were 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, with operation across the year. These describe the opening window at that time, rather than a choice of bookable sessions.

In August 2023, the nursery received funding to provide two-, three- and four-year-olds with free early education. Families should obtain current prices in the nursery's written quotation.

• Privacy during changing. In August 2023, nappy changes sometimes took place where children's privacy was insufficiently protected. On a visit, ask how changing arrangements now protect dignity.
• Children's own artwork. The August 2023 improvement priority was giving children more opportunity to express their ideas through art. Examples of recent work would help families understand how children's choices shape activities.
• Attendance and funding. The August 2023 arrangements combined year-round opening with funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Which current age range, booking patterns and funding arrangements would apply to your child?

Zoe Evans Childcare suits families who value countryside exploration and practical discovery: the August 2023 picture included woodland walks, treasure hunts and environmental tasks. Parent involvement in learning and the lending library added another useful dimension. The Good judgement provides the dated quality assessment; privacy during changing and children's freedom in art remain the specific points to explore when deciding whether the setting fits your child.