County Hospital Day Nursery

About this day nursery

County Hospital Day Nursery, established in 1992, operates from Monday to Friday, between 6:45 am and 5:30 pm, all year round, closing only for bank holidays and one week over Christmas and New Year. This childcare on non-domestic premises setting caters to children aged 0-4 years.

The nursery received a 'Good' rating in its latest Ofsted inspection on 28th April 2023. Children's emotional well-being is well-supported by staff who form secure attachments, offering cuddles and reassurance.

Staff effectively help children understand behavioural expectations, using methods such as a toy bear to signify whose turn it is to talk. The curriculum is implemented to support children's developmental progression across the nursery rooms, fostering independence, for example, by allowing babies to scoop and pour water.

Children are encouraged to develop large-muscle skills crucial for early writing through various activities. For children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), staff use sign language alongside spoken words, and some receive one-to-one support.

The manager effectively uses additional funding to cater to individual needs, such as physical skills, by collaborating with other professionals. While the quality of education is generally good both indoors and outdoors, staff occasionally struggle to maintain the interest of pre-school children during planned small-group garden activities, such as looking for insects, leading to distractions.

Parents are kept well-informed about their child's development and are supported in continuing learning at home, appreciating the book lists provided to encourage reading.

What it's like

Children's emotional well-being is supported well by staff, who form secure attachments with them. Staff are sensitive in their approach, offering cuddles and reassurance. They also help children understand behavioral expectations, for instance, by using a toy bear to signify whose turn it is to talk.