S4YC @ Wharton Childrens Centre

About this day nursery

S4YC @ Wharton Childrens Centre, registered with Ofsted in 2023, provides childcare for children aged 0-4 years. Open Monday to Friday, all year round, from 8am until 6pm, the day nursery fosters a purposeful atmosphere where children can concentrate and are motivated to learn.

Children arrive with confidence, eager to play and explore, supported by staff who understand their developmental needs. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on health and physical development, with children enjoying activities like climbing and imaginative play that build stamina and coordination.

Staff also plan activities to strengthen hand and finger muscles, such as squeezing playdough and peeling oranges, which helps to prepare children for fluid handwriting. The day nursery promotes a love of reading by making books accessible everywhere and through frequent story times with individuals and small groups.

Parents report feeling listened to and value the partnership with staff, especially during transitions between childcare rooms, which supports children's emotional well-being. The nursery effectively supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) by offering tailored assistance, using additional funding for enhancing equipment, and collaborating with other professionals and parents through multi-agency assessment processes.

Children are encouraged to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces, which promotes healthy development and encourages independent exploration. The latest Ofsted inspection, on 16th January 2025, rated the nursery as 'Good' overall.

What it's like

Children enter the busy nursery with confidence and anticipation, knowing they will have time to play and explore, and staff show that they understand how children learn, joining in with activities and talking with them. There is a purposeful atmosphere that promotes concentration and motivation, and staff use strategies like showing a red circle and saying 'stop' to encourage self-control and consideration for others.