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Dinotots Beach Nursery

Ofsted: Needs attention·Dave Stephens Centre, The Links, Blyth, NE24 3PL · Northumberland
Number of places
16 places
Age range
1–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2026
Local authority
Northumberland

About this day nursery

Dinotots Beach Nursery, located in Blyth, is part of the Dinotots Group, which aims to provide high-quality childcare for children from 0 to 11 years old, including before and after school and during school holidays. The day nursery focuses on fostering an inspiring and nurturing environment where children can grow.

They emphasise strong partnerships between home and nursery, offering daily verbal updates and real-time insights via a secure parent app to ensure open communication. Safety and security are paramount, with rigorous policies and procedures adhering to Ofsted standards, including thorough DBS checks for all staff.

Mealtimes are a cherished part of the day, viewed as an opportunity for social connection and language development, with nutritious food served in a family-like setting. Each child is assigned a dedicated key carer to ensure personalised attention and a smooth transition through different age groups.

The day nursery also prepares children for primary school through school-focused activities and offers home-link learning kits to support parents. They implement the Brighter Learning Approach, a bespoke adaptation of the Early Years Statutory Framework, complemented by a diverse range of clubs and activities tailored to each nursery's unique environment.

Our ethos

At our nurseries, we embrace the Brighter Learning Approach—our carefully designed and bespoke adaptation of the Early Years Statutory Framework. This ensures every child enjoys a well-rounded, engaging, and developmentally appropriate experience.

What it's like

Children under two years do not always benefit from well-thought-out learning experiences or sociable, well-supervised mealtimes. However, children generally arrive happily, greeting staff with enthusiasm, and those with SEND demonstrate good relationships with staff. Older children thoroughly enjoy the carefully planned curriculum, which supports their interests and development, and they look forward to going to the beach after snack.

High-quality childcareStrong parent partnershipDedicated key carersBrighter Learning Approach

Pricing & funding

The nursery offers both private and government-funded sessions. Detailed fee information, funding options, and eligibility are available by contacting the nursery directly. The group provides a "Happiness Guarantee" allowing parents to cancel their contract within the first 14 calendar days if their child does not settle, receiving a refund for unused days beyond a standard notice period.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-oldsTax-Free Childcare

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 07:30 - 18:00

Registered with Ofsted

2024

Ofsted Inspection — new report card

Needs attention

Last inspected Jun 2026

Headline: Needs attention

Grade summary

Exceptional
—
Strong standard
—
Expected standard
Needs attention
Urgent improvement
—

Each dot represents one of the six inspection categories. Headline is the average of the six grades, rounded up.

Category grades

AchievementNeeds attention
Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routinesNeeds attention
Children's welfare and wellbeingNeeds attention
Curriculum and teachingNeeds attention
InclusionExpected standard
Leadership and governanceNeeds attention
Age range
1 to 11
Registers
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted report for Dinotots Beach Nursery

Last inspected 16 June 2026

Actions the provider must take

  • Review routines to ensure toddlers' learning and engagement is consistently prioritised, including during transitions and off-site activities (by 13/07/2026).
  • Strengthen oversight of safe eating routines, so that staff maintain consistent and focused supervision during mealtimes and avoid tasks that take attention away from the children (by 30/06/2026).
  • Ensure that staff receive training that includes the specific needs of children under two and should monitor practice to ensure training is applied consistently and has a positive impact on children's experiences (by 16/07/2026).

What it's like to attend

Children under two years do not always benefit from well-thought-out learning experiences or sociable, well-supervised mealtimes. However, children generally arrive happily, greeting staff with enthusiasm, and those with SEND demonstrate good relationships with staff. Older children thoroughly enjoy the carefully planned curriculum, which supports their interests and development, and they look forward to going to the beach after snack.

Inspector highlights

  • Safeguarding standards are met, with leaders fostering an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
  • Leaders support staff effectively in developing their knowledge and skills, working with parents to understand children's individual needs.
  • Children known to or previously known to social care receive effective support.
  • Older children progress well through the curriculum, especially those with SEND, developing skills for the next stage of learning.
  • Children enjoy a wealth of physical activity, walking to and from the beach and playing there.
  • Leaders provide staff with general training and support their wellbeing, including effective support for apprentices.
  • Staff work with parents to help them understand children's learning and how to support it.
  • Leaders liaise with various professionals to support children's care and learning, gathering information from previous nurseries.
  • Older children thoroughly enjoy the carefully planned curriculum, developing skills and looking forward to beach visits.
  • Children learn how to keep themselves safe and follow staff instructions, for example, when on the beach.
  • Children attend regularly, benefiting from consistent routines and expectations, and willingly help with tasks like counting when walking to the beach.

Areas to develop

  • 1Toddlers sometimes lose focus in their learning and do not have consistent opportunities to deepen their knowledge or skills due to interruptions.
  • 2Toddlers do not always experience the same level of engagement as older children, particularly when staff focus on preparing older children for activities, sometimes leaving toddlers waiting in highchairs for prolonged periods.
  • 3Although staff are trained in safe eating procedures, monitoring has been insufficient, leading to inconsistent practices and reduced focused supervision during mealtimes.
  • 4Babies' and toddlers' learning and experiences are not consistently prioritised, impacting their ability to explore and engage fully, especially during beach visits.
  • 5Leaders have not consistently checked that key aspects of staff training are followed, especially training specific to the care and learning needs of children under two years.
  • 6Key messages, policies and procedures have not been consistently implemented.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included throughout. They receive effective support, with staff working with parents and professionals to ensure children receive the help they need. Leaders liaise with professionals from health and social care to ensure children get any help they need.

Outdoor space

Children particularly enjoy playing on the beach and have wealth of opportunities to develop their physical skills, including walking to and from the beach, building sandcastles, and collecting stones. Staff provide puddle suits and wellington boots to ensure all children can access the beach curriculum.

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

16 June 2026

Needs attention

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

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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