Acorns At Ormskirk Church Of England Primary School

In September 2022, babies’ early communication, exploratory play and cooperation with the host school characterised care at Acorns. At its September 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. The setting has nine places in total, making whole-setting capacity a useful consideration for families seeking a small nursery.

Children attending in September 2022 were aged 0 to 2. That is a dated picture of the children cared for, rather than a statement of today’s admission ages.

In September 2022, babies explored sand and cereal, experimenting with textures and making marks using different tools. When children became interested in dolls, staff added feeding bottles and other baby-care objects to develop their play. Activities reflected children’s needs and interests.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning and care: children develop communication, movement and other skills through play. In September 2022, this included drawing on paper, taking turns with rhyme props and learning to put toys away. Staff responded to sounds and gestures, giving babies opportunities to practise the back-and-forth of conversation before they could speak fluently.

Outdoor learning was the weaker element in September 2022. Children could not use the outdoor space each day, and indoor space sometimes restricted ball play. The improvement action concerned more challenging opportunities for physical development outdoors.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that settling arrangements and parent meetings supported progress, while collaboration with parents and other agencies helped children with special educational needs and disabilities.

In September 2022, children turned to their key person for encouragement when attempting new movements, including climbing. Adults praised cooperative play and demonstrated polite behaviour at snack time. These were concrete ways of supporting confidence and relationships during ordinary activities.

Parents could join stay-and-play sessions in September 2022, giving them a chance to participate in activities their children enjoyed. Regular developmental checks helped staff identify where additional support was needed. Staff also shared learning from training during team meetings.

Acorns is based at Ormskirk C of E Primary School, Greetby Hill, Ormskirk, L39 2DP. In September 2022, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, during term time.

In September 2022, staff worked with the host school to coordinate transitions and maintain continuity in children’s care and learning. Attending Acorns does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Outdoor movement. Daily outdoor access was lacking in September 2022, limiting opportunities for ball play. On a visit, ask how outdoor time now supports increasingly challenging movement.
• Attendance arrangements. The September 2022 opening pattern was term-time weekdays. What current booking patterns and funded-hour arrangements would fit your family’s week?
• School progression. Cooperation with the host school supported transitions in September 2022. Families should treat nursery attendance and a Reception application as separate decisions.

Acorns merits consideration for families who value a small setting and links with its host primary school. In September 2022, care combined responsive interaction with babies, parent involvement and play shaped around children’s interests. Outdoor physical challenge was the clear weakness. The term-time operating pattern recorded then is also an important practical consideration for families needing care across school holidays.