ABC Childcare at Atherton's Children Centre

Conversation gives this nursery its character: in February 2023, staff expanded children's vocabulary and helped them develop longer sentences during play. ABC Childcare at Atherton's Children Centre has capacity for 40 children aged 24 to 48 months and is based within Meadowbank Primary School & Nursery Education Centre.

At its February 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), made good progress. The strengths came with specific improvements to make: involving quieter children, staff hygiene and more precise feedback on teaching.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing everyday play and learning together with their wellbeing. In February 2023, activities were planned around children's interests and adjusted to their individual needs.

Water play gave younger children opportunities to practise pouring and moving water between containers. Outdoors, bicycles and scooters supported physical activity. These were practical experiences, with children exploring materials and exercising through play.

Conversation was another substantial part of the February 2023 day. Staff introduced unfamiliar vocabulary and elaborated on children's sentences; preschool children sustained conversations about family life and their interests. However, quieter children sometimes missed the help they needed to join activities. Staff also sometimes chose activities without a sufficiently clear understanding of children's existing knowledge.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found strong relationships between children and staff, and praised SEND support, including strategies used while children awaited specialist referrals. That combination mattered: support could begin before outside involvement.

In February 2023, predictable routines included a bell signalling the end of outdoor play and children helping prepare tables for lunch. Staff demonstrated courteous behaviour, while children practised sharing and taking turns.

Healthy food, snacks and drinking water were provided at that time. Hygiene needed closer attention: some staff did not wash their hands after wiping children's noses, increasing the risk of infection.

The address is Meadowbank Primary School & Nursery Education Centre, Formby Avenue, Atherton, Manchester, M46 0HX. Opening hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure for school holidays.

In February 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for two- and three-year-olds. This is a dated account of its funding provision.

Being based within a primary school does not guarantee a Reception place. Families still use the local authority admissions process for a state-school application.

• Quieter children. In February 2023, some less confident children were overlooked during activities. At a visit, ask how staff now help those children participate.
• Hygiene and teaching feedback. The February 2023 improvements covered handwashing and feedback tailored to individual staff practice. Ask how these changes have been embedded.
• Term-time attendance. School-holiday closure matters for families needing year-round childcare. Plan holiday care alongside the nursery timetable.

This is a term-time option for families with children aged 24 to 48 months. Its February 2023 strengths lay in conversation, relationships and SEND support. The same assessment gives families clear priorities for a visit: quieter children's participation, hygiene and how accurately activities match each child's learning.