Rocking Horse Day Nursery

In August 2022, caring for a pony in the neighbouring field gave children at Rocking Horse Day Nursery a memorable connection with nature. In August 2022, children helped care for it alongside garden play, construction and imaginative games. These were practical experiences: looking after an animal, sharing ideas and exploring how things work.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 31 August 2022 inspection. The setting has capacity for 64 children in Greens Norton, Towcester; the children attending at that visit were aged 1 to 4. The strongest thread through the day's activities was learning through ordinary experiences, from counting building blocks to managing shoes independently.

In August 2022, the curriculum followed a sequence suited to children's development: younger children practised expressing what they needed, while older children developed longer spoken sentences. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care, connecting children's play with developing communication, physical skills and independence.

The garden offered space for chasing games, obstacles and ride-on cars. Indoors, wooden-block castles prompted children to exchange suggestions, while dolls and pretend tea gave them opportunities to rehearse social situations. Younger children explored the feel of herbs, foam and pasta. Mathematics also had a practical place: counting during play developed into estimating the bricks used in a wall.

Community experiences in August 2022 included outings to the church, parks and butcher's shop. Books sat in comfortable reading spaces, but staff needed to bring stories into the day more often. Access to books alone was not enough to build children's enthusiasm for reading.

At the August 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well supported through plans tailored to them. Staff discussed child-protection concerns, understood reporting procedures and used risk assessments for indoor and outdoor activities.

In August 2022, children turned to familiar staff for comfort, and settling sessions involved parents and adapted to individual needs. Everyday care encouraged independence: younger children practised using cutlery, older children persevered with dressing, and toothbrushing followed lunch.

Communication extended learning beyond nursery through story sacks and activity suggestions for home. School preparation in August 2022 included sharing information forms and inviting teachers to meet children. Staff development combined training with supervision and feedback, giving practitioners opportunities to review their work.

The address is 2 Freemans Way, Greens Norton, Towcester, NN12 8FR.

In August 2022, opening hours were 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year except bank holidays. That describes the opening window at the time, rather than particular bookable sessions.

• Stories during the day. The August 2022 improvement point concerned staff making greater use of books and storytelling. On a visit, ask how reading now features across children's activities.
• Animal care and outdoor play. The pony and garden were memorable parts of children's experiences in August 2022. Ask how children take part in these activities today and how participation suits different ages.

Rocking Horse suits families drawn to practical learning, outdoor exploration and a close connection between play and everyday independence. Its August 2022 experiences combined animal care, community outings and purposeful construction play. The balance matters: the Good judgement came with a clear reading improvement point. Families weighing this nursery should give its present approach to stories careful attention.