Camrose Early Years Centre

Babies learning to walk, familiar sleep routines and games of peekaboo characterised Camrose's care in March 2024. In March 2024, the centre specialised in children aged two and under, with care built around their interests and everyday routines. It has 9 places in total.

At its March 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the centre Good and judged safeguarding effective. The clearest strengths were practical ones: getting to know children before they started, making time for their physical development and responding gently when they woke from sleep.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing learning into play and everyday routines. In March 2024, songs connected words with movements, while repeated games helped children anticipate what would happen next. Scarves became props for hiding and revealing faces. These were simple activities suited to very young children.

Physical development had concrete support. In March 2024, babies used push equipment in the garden as they practised moving their feet; indoors, adults offered hands to encourage first steps. Books offered a quieter experience, with adults drawing attention to pictures and inviting children to lift page flaps. Movement, language and shared attention were woven into ordinary play.

Home visits shaped settling in March 2024: staff learnt about children's interests, then used familiar kinds of toys during introductory sessions. Sleep followed routines children knew from home, and adults stayed beside them as they woke. Nappy changes also became moments for individual attention and singing.

At the March 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received effective support through targeted plans developed with parents. Health care plans gave adults access to information about children's needs.

During March 2024, staff also gathered words from children's home languages and used them alongside English, including when naming snack fruit. Families received ideas for extending learning at home through stories and simple vocabulary. Staff provided cooked meals, and children could drink water during the day.

The address is Camrose Centre, Streatfeild Road, Northampton, NN5 7DE. In March 2024, the centre operated throughout the year on weekdays, with session times of 8am to 6pm, and provided funded early education for two-year-olds. These describe the arrangements at that date.

In March 2024, the centre operated independently within Camrose Nursery School Early Years Centre. Attending the centre does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Family representation. In March 2024, opportunities to share photographs of familiar people and pets did not reach every child. Ask how your child's family will be represented in daily activities.
• Oral health. In March 2024, children needed more help to understand caring for their teeth. Ask how this now fits into everyday care.
• Attendance and costs. The March 2024 arrangements included weekday sessions and funded education for two-year-olds. Before joining, ask for the current attendance options and a written quotation covering hours, food and consumables.

Camrose's March 2024 practice makes it a relevant choice for families seeking care centred on babies and very young toddlers. Home-based settling work, gradual waking and supported first steps give that judgement substance. Family representation and early tooth-care learning deserve attention alongside those strengths.