The Aldridge Day Nursery

Language learning through ball-pool play, stories and songs gives The Aldridge Day Nursery a recognisable character in its July 2024 account of daily life. At its 23 July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective. The practical scale is clear: it has capacity for 80 children aged 2 to 60 months.

In July 2024, babies played with staff in a ball pool while hearing words describing movement, connecting language with something they could see happening. Toddlers joined familiar songs and actions, using scarves as props. Stories gave children opportunities to discuss pictures and predict what might happen next. These were concrete ways to bring conversation into play.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the July 2024 examples show learning through play alongside everyday skills. Shape-building activities introduced early mathematics: children chose pieces for their constructions and arranged triangles on a magnetic board. The emphasis was on making choices and trying ideas, rather than simply naming shapes.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children needing additional support benefited from plans developed with parents and other professionals, with progress evident in their communication. In July 2024, staff also gathered information from families about children's interests and existing skills when they started, giving early activities a personal starting point.

Independence featured in ordinary routines that month. Babies practised using cutlery and the steps involved in handwashing; older children served themselves at meals and helped fill water jugs. Staff demonstrated respectful behaviour and used games involving turns to help children practise sharing. Parents received updates about care and learning both online and in conversations at collection.

Print House, Northgate, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 8TH is the nursery's address. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, with year-round opening except for bank holidays and Christmas.

In July 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of its funding provision, rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Adult involvement in play. In July 2024, some staff needed more individual guidance on judging when to join children's play and conversations. Ask how staff development now helps practitioners extend learning while respecting children's own ideas.
• Attendance across the year. The opening window spans the working day, but bank holidays and Christmas are closures. What booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family's week?

The Aldridge Day Nursery suits families seeking year-round weekday care, with bank-holiday and Christmas closures built into their plans. Its July 2024 strengths were tangible: conversation woven into play, growing independence at mealtimes and communication with parents. The improvement priority also matters. The quality of an adult's contribution to play deserves as much attention as the activities themselves.