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Dot Tots Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2023)
·
4.6(7 parent reviews) ·1 Ebenezer Street, BILSTON, WV14 9LP · Dudley
Number of places
59 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2023
Local authority
Dudley

About this day nursery

Opened in 2007, Dot Tots Nursery in Bilston provides good quality childcare for children aged 0-4 years. The nursery operates year-round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, closing only for bank holidays and one week over Christmas.

The curriculum is designed to support continuous learning, building on children's existing knowledge and skills, ensuring seamless transitions between rooms. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive exceptional support, a particular strength of the nursery.

The special educational needs coordinator is highly knowledgeable and collaborates closely with parents and external agencies to ensure children with SEND make excellent progress. Dot Tots Nursery also places a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, recognising its benefits for some children in regulating behaviour and developing large-muscle skills through activities like balancing, climbing, and sliding.

Staff actively plan activities based on children's interests, fostering eager participation and prolonged concentration. The nursery prioritises the development of literacy skills, providing dedicated cosy areas and a library for all age groups.

Parents frequently describe the nursery as feeling like a family, highlighting the exceptionally strong partnerships between staff and parents, who are encouraged to be involved in their child's learning journey and share details about their home language and culture.

What it's like

Children who attend this nursery make good progress. Staff plan activities that are linked to children's interests and next steps for learning, resulting in eager participation and prolonged concentration. The nursery prioritises continuous learning opportunities that build on existing knowledge and skills, with seamless transitions between rooms.

Good Ofsted ratingSuperb SEND supportHigh focus on outdoor learningStrong parent partnershipsLiteracy skills prioritised

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and a week at Christmas.

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2007

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Dot Tots Nursery

Last inspected 17 July 2023 · Rebecca Johnson

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

What it's like to attend

Children who attend this nursery make good progress. Staff plan activities that are linked to children's interests and next steps for learning, resulting in eager participation and prolonged concentration. The nursery prioritises continuous learning opportunities that build on existing knowledge and skills, with seamless transitions between rooms.

Inspector highlights

  • Managers have implemented a curriculum that supports children's continued learning and regularly check staff understanding and children's assessments.
  • Staff well-being is given high priority, and managers have introduced 'Take 5' for staff to take a step back and receive support for professional development.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive superb support, and the SENCo is knowledgeable and experienced.
  • Staff place great emphasis on supporting children's literacy skills, with access to books and designated cosy areas for all ages.
  • Partnerships with parents are exceptionally strong, with parents included in their child's learning and encouraged to participate in challenges and share information about their home language, culture, and beliefs.

Areas to develop

  • 1consider the organisation of activities to ensure all children are able to fully participate and gain the best from their learning experiences
  • 2support all staff, including those who only work during lunchtime, to fully understand how to promote children's independence, communication and social skills.
Inspection #10302654 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment that the nursery feels like a family.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive superb support, and this is a real strength of the nursery. The special educational needs coordinator is knowledgeable and experienced. She works closely with parents and outside agencies to identify any additional support children may need. As a result, children with SEND make the very best progress they are capable of.

Outdoor space

There is a high focus on outdoor learning. Staff successfully recognise that some children learn better in an outdoor environment and that being in the fresh air helps children to regulate their behaviour as they have space to 'let off steam'. Children happily play together, developing large-muscle skills as they balance, climb, and slide with increasing dexterity.

Parent Reviews of Dot Tots Nursery

4.6
(7)
Claudine Smart Jones
9 months ago

It's hard to put into words how much I appreciate the love and care rhey showed to my daughter. She started at 9 months old until she left for primary at 4 years old and she thrived there. Thanks to you Dot Tots dor giving me oeace when I hand to hand my baby over to you. Shes the most sunny, biuncy, funny, articulate and confident little girl. You're all amazing.

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Ania Grzesiak
5 years ago

I wouldn't recommend this nursery. I could never know what my boy was doing, especially during covid, seem like telling parent few words more that "everything was fine" was too much to ask. Lady who was usually at the door would always look like it's a great punishment to be there, let alone making any effort to welcome kids warmly. Food portions were so small that my kid keep having seconds which never happens at home, book were played from CD rather than being read by the staff... From September till March there was only one picture display on a wall for parents to see, so not much effort there either. I'm sure there's some lovely people working there but the way it all worked (or didn't) was really low so there's plenty for improvement.

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Hannah Baronenas
3 years ago

Couldn't rate it any higher if i tried there so good with my little boy they help him so much he loves going and loves the staff there all amazing at what they do

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Lee WH
5 years ago

absolutely brilliant staff always friendly and professional my daughter loves going there and even with covid they have been brilliant and my daughter has thrived there

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Reviews from Google for Dot Tots Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: February 2013

  • July 2023Good
  • February 2018Good
  • April 2017Good
  • February 2013Good

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