The Darlaston Day Nursery

Scarves, coloured bears and observational drawings give this nursery's July 2024 account a clear character: learning through movement, careful handwork and art. At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated The Darlaston Day Nursery Good overall. The strongest detail lies in what children actually did, rather than in a branded programme.

The nursery is on Bilston Street in Walsall, WS10 8EY, with capacity for 107 children aged 2 to 59 months.

In July 2024, children practised sweeping movements with scarves, then exercised finer control by sorting small coloured bears with tongs. These activities connected physical development with preparation for writing. Comparing handprints in sand introduced differences in size through something children could see and make themselves.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2024 examples included learning through play, conversation and practical tasks: older children extended their vocabulary while discussing dinosaurs, while younger children searched for hidden musical instruments.

Art had a substantial place in that July account. Drawings based on frogs, flowers and toys encouraged close observation; collages marked friendships. Outdoors, tunnels and wheeled toys gave children opportunities to crawl, scoot and practise coordination. There was room for energetic play as well as concentrated handwork.

Group activities needed better organisation, however. Distractions sometimes interrupted children's involvement, reducing what they gained from the planned learning.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities good, with development plans informed by observations and work with parents and other professionals. This made the support specific to individual children's next steps.

In July 2024, the key-person arrangements gave babies and younger children familiar adults for comfort and reassurance. Staff used information from parents when planning learning and shared suggestions for activities at home. Daily updates came through an online application, giving families a regular connection with their child's day.

Children also practised everyday independence, including feeding themselves, handwashing and putting on coats. Praise recognised their efforts, while conversations about feelings, sharing and taking turns supported relationships with other children. Dietary requirements were understood and accommodated in July 2024.

The address is Bilston Street, Walsall, WS10 8EY. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas.

In July 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. That dated provision should be distinguished from a current funding arrangement.

• Group activities. Distractions interrupted some planned learning in July 2024. During a visit, look at how quieter activities are protected from competing activity nearby.
• Individual support. The July 2024 account linked development plans to observations and collaboration with families. How would the key person use your child's interests and needs when planning their day?

For families seeking care for younger children, the July 2024 picture offers useful substance: physical play, art and everyday independence, supported by familiar adults. The Good judgement sits alongside a specific improvement point about group organisation. The opening window is broad, but the most persuasive detail remains the account of children's learning and relationships at that visit.