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Catkins Nursery in Lichfield

Ofsted: Outstanding
(May 2023)
·Charnwood Children's Centre, Purcell Avenue, LICHFIELD, WS13 7PH · Staffordshire
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
May 2023
Local authority
Staffordshire

About this day nursery

Catkins Nursery in Horsham, established in November 2015, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged two to five years old. Situated conveniently on the south side of town with easy access to the A24, the nursery provides 24 child places and operates from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays for 50 weeks of the year.

The owner and manager, Cathy Walden, has extensive experience in childcare and education, successfully running settings since 2000. Catkins Nursery prides itself on its "Outstanding" Ofsted rating, achieved in March 2018, and is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalised childcare in a homely atmosphere.

The nursery focuses on traditional values and high expectations, aiming to know each child and family deeply. Cathy is a hands-on manager, actively involved in the children's daily activities.

A strong emphasis is placed on nutritious food, with children participating in food preparation and growing their own herbs and vegetables. Creative and messy play is also a key part of the daily routine, encouraging exploration and fun.

Catkins aims to provide a supportive and engaging experience where children can grow, learn, and develop in a fun and familial environment.

Our ethos

Catkins Nursery focuses on traditional values and high expectations, aiming to know each child and family deeply. They provide high-quality, personalised childcare in a homely atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on nutritious food, creative and messy play, and encouraging children's exploration and fun. They aim to provide a supportive and engaging experience where children can grow, learn, and develop in a fun and familial environment.

What it's like

Children get the best possible start at this nursery. Staff deliver an excellent personal development curriculum. Children learn how to access the provision alongside other children, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Ofsted OutstandingHomely and relaxed atmosphereEmphasis on healthy eating and cooking activitiesHands-on owner/managerSmall setting (24 places)

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Key facts

Opening hours

8am to 6pm on weekdays for 50 weeks of the year

Age range

Two to five years old

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Catkins Nursery

Last inspected 26 May 2023

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Children get the best possible start at this nursery. Staff deliver an excellent personal development curriculum. Children learn how to access the provision alongside other children, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Inspector highlights

  • The curriculum has been expertly crafted to meet the needs of the range of children who attend.
  • Staff have an exceptionally sharp focus on the prime areas of learning.
  • The provider's understanding of the local needs and issues means children benefit from activities that broaden their experiences.
  • Partnership working is a key strength in this nursery.
  • The leadership of this nursery is exemplary.
Inspection #10279845 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children learn how to access the provision alongside other children, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children with SEND have developed their concentration skills from when they first started to attend. They can now access direct learning for 10 minutes at a time. Children with complex needs learn to regulate their emotions and begin to communicate their needs through incremental steps over time. Children with disabilities receive support from one-to-one staff, who are ambitious for them. These children can write numbers before they leave the setting to start school. Leaders are tenacious in ensuring all children have their needs met, whether this be through in-house interventions and support or the support children need from other agencies. Staff are encouraged to signpost parents to specialist dentists to support SEND children to access dental treatment. The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND.

Outdoor space

Many children start attending the nursery with poor spatial awareness and low-level agility skills. The design of the environment and the plentiful access to the outdoor area helps children to develop these skills rapidly over time. Children can identify and manage risks outside, while still taking appropriate physical risks to complement their development.

Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2023

Date: February 2017

  • May 2023Outstanding
  • September 2017Good
  • February 2017Good

Frequently asked about Catkins Nursery

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more