Messy Hands Nursery

Herbs snipped into play dough, oats weighed on scales and leaves collected for compost: Messy Hands Nursery's March 2023 daily life connected learning with things children could handle and investigate. Practical exploration gave the day its character.

At its 15 March 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and judged that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities made good progress. Based at Nene Hall in Daventry, the nursery has capacity for 30 children aged 24 to 60 months.

In March 2023, children chose their own activities and helped decide which story to hear. The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care; here, play brought together language, physical skills and early mathematics.

Scissors and rollers made play dough an exercise in hand control as well as sensory exploration. Children investigated its texture and the smell of herbs. When a bee caught their attention outdoors, staff supplied books and a magnifying glass, turning curiosity into a closer investigation.

The garden added movement and practical care for the natural world. In March 2023, children steered balance bicycles around obstacles, climbed and practised jumping from safe heights. A mud kitchen encouraged pretend baking and conversation about ingredients. Collecting leaves for the composter, making bird feeders and growing vegetables connected outdoor play with living things.

Mathematics also had a tangible form that month: children added oats to scales and watched the balance change. Counting objects and recognising numbers sat alongside experiences of weight and measure.

In March 2023, settling sessions gave staff information about children's starting points, while assessments of their key children helped them plan additional support. A special educational needs coordinator worked with other professionals. For children learning English, staff used words from home languages alongside pictures, books and simple signs, giving communication several routes.

Parent contact extended beyond conversation. In March 2023, an online system shared photographs, progress updates and ideas for continuing learning at home. Staff also used games to practise sharing and turn-taking, with encouragement supporting children's participation.

Two weaknesses mattered. That March, adults often completed tasks children could have attempted themselves, and staff deployment during routines needed attention so learning could continue. These are useful points to explore when considering how much independence the day allows.

The address is Nene Hall, Tamar Square, Daventry, NN11 4RB. Opening hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. This calendar makes the nursery relevant to families whose childcare needs follow term dates.

In March 2023, session times ran from 9am to 3pm, and the setting provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

• Doing things independently. In March 2023, adults often took over tasks children could tackle. During a visit, look at how children are encouraged to manage everyday jobs themselves.
• Learning during routines. Staff deployment needed improvement in March 2023. Ask how practitioners now keep children engaged during routine activities.
• Funded attendance. Funded early education was offered in March 2023. What are the current funded attendance arrangements and associated charges?

Messy Hands Nursery suits families seeking term-time childcare within a 9am-to-3pm opening window. Its March 2023 picture was strongest in hands-on investigation, outdoor activity and communication with parents. Independence and the organisation of routine activities deserve attention alongside those strengths.