Hedgerow Nursery

Water play, action songs and measuring ingredients give Hedgerow Nursery's April 2024 picture its character: learning grew from activities children could handle, hear and explore. At its 16 April 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, found effective safeguarding and good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and recognised a carefully ordered curriculum that helped children progress.

At 179 Cromwell Lane, Coventry, CV4 8AN, the nursery accepts children from 1 to 60 months and has 64 places in total. These are whole-nursery places, rather than the size of an individual group.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday routines help build communication, physical skills and growing independence. In April 2024, staff used children's interests to shape activities and gave them opportunities to revisit learning before tackling something new.

Physical exploration took different forms. In April 2024, children developing mobility steadied themselves against equipment, while more mobile children pushed wheeled toys; older children tackled swings and ball games. Outdoor exercise was part of each day's routine. Water play with toy animals added sensory exploration, while making play dough brought weighing and mathematical language into a practical task.

Speech received attention from the youngest ages in April 2024. Staff talked and sang with children, and small-group action rhymes linked listening, movement and early sounds. Older children practised listening to one another and taking turns in group activities. These examples give parents a concrete picture of how learning and social habits worked together.

In April 2024, staff offered physical comfort when children became upset and helped younger children put feelings into words. Older children were beginning to recognise how their behaviour affected others. Praise and simple expectations supported this work.

Assessment informed the next steps planned for individual children in April 2024. Staff worked with families and outside agencies when additional help was needed. Parents described consistent carers, communication about development and respect for their children's cultural backgrounds. Regular staff discussions, supervision and training also provided opportunities to review practice.

Mealtimes offered opportunities for independence in April 2024, but some drinking jugs were too heavy for children to manage themselves. Equipment choice mattered: a routine intended to build confidence could still require adult help.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holiday closures. This opening window helps families assess how nursery attendance could fit around work.

In April 2024, session times ran from 7.30am to 6pm, and funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. That funding information belongs to the April 2024 position.

• Everyday independence. In April 2024, heavy drinking jugs limited what children could do unaided. During a visit, ask how equipment now helps children serve themselves.
• Care across the age range. Children are accepted from 1 to 60 months. Ask how settling, sleep and daily routines would be arranged for your child's age.

Hedgerow suits families seeking year-round weekday childcare, with its April 2024 picture showing learning through movement, conversation and practical play. The Good judgement provides a dated quality benchmark. For a younger child, the most useful next step is to explore daily care routines; for an older child, it is to see how everyday equipment supports increasing independence.