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Sandy Bears Nursery and Pre School

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2022)
·
5.0(7 parent reviews) ·The Old School House, 1 High Street, Tattenhall, CH3 9PX · Cheshire West and Chester
Number of places
48 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2022
Local authority
Cheshire West and Chester

About this day nursery

Sandy Bears Nursery and Pre School, located in Tattenhall, Cheshire, was registered in 2012 and operates from The Old School House. The nursery provides a welcoming and nurturing environment where children are motivated to learn and make good progress.

The dedicated staff team, comprising 14 members with many holding Level 3 qualifications or above, including two with early years teacher status, ensures that children develop strong bonds and are well-supported. The nursery is open all year round, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 6 pm, offering full day care for children aged 1 to 4 years.

An out-of-school and holiday club provision is also available for children aged 5 to 11 years. The curriculum is organised to allow children to choose a wide range of activities, fostering curiosity and independence.

Managers maintain high ambitions for both staff and children, continuously monitoring and adapting the learning environment to ensure relevance and good progress for all. The setting also has a clear focus on the emotional well-being of children, using stories and sensitive interactions to help them understand and regulate their feelings.

Strong partnerships with parents and outside agencies, including effective transitions to school, contribute to children feeling secure and ready to learn.

What it's like

Children happily wave to their parents as they enter the setting, eager to greet friends and play. Babies put their arms out to their key person before they quickly settle into activities. Children develop strong bonds with the welcoming and nurturing staff. Children are motivated to learn and make good progress.

Nurturing environmentGood progressStrong partnershipsEmotional well-beingCurious learners

Key facts

Opening hours

7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday

Term time / All Year

All_year

Established

2012

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Sandy Bears Nursery and Pre School

Last inspected 13 July 2022

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children happily wave to their parents as they enter the setting, eager to greet friends and play. Babies put their arms out to their key person before they quickly settle into activities. Children develop strong bonds with the welcoming and nurturing staff. Children are motivated to learn and make good progress.

Inspector highlights

  • Children happily wave to their parents as they enter the setting, eager to greet friends and play. Babies put their arms out to their key person before they quickly settle into activities.
  • Managers create an environment to support children to be curious and independent learners. The organised curriculum, resources and environment allow children to choose a wide range of activities.
  • Children work together and show resilience as they transport a large bucket of water to a hole they have created. They are delighted to watch the water disappear down the hole and recall previous learning which they excitedly share with staff.
  • There are many opportunities for children to develop their large-motor skills as they climb up and over play equipment and crawl through tunnels.
  • All children enjoy frequent opportunities to share stories and sing. Babies smile and giggle as they copy actions to songs and use instruments.
  • Parents share that their children are happy and safe at the setting. They say the setting 'exceeds expectations.' Communication is good.
  • Additional hygiene measures have been put in place following COVID-19 and, overall, hygiene is generally good.
  • Managers and staff have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities to protect children from harm. They access regular safeguarding training and have knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and what they should do if they have concerns about a child's welfare.

Areas to develop

  • 1Focus more on the organisation of routine transition times so children remain fully engaged and prepared for the transition.
  • 2Review hygiene routines so they are consistently adhered to and hygiene standards are of the highest quality.
Inspection #10235689 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Expectations for children are high, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children's play is supported by knowledgeable staff who expertly thread learning into activities. Staff quickly identify any additional needs, and support is put in place.

Parent Reviews of Sandy Bears Nursery and Pre School

5.0
(7)
Claire Hesketh
5 months ago

My little one has been attending Sandy Bears for just over a year and a half, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. His curiosity and love of nature have grown tremendously—he’s always excited to tell us what he’s learned and is constantly pointing things out on our walks and even during car rides. The staff are nurturing and friendly, creating an environment where my (quite shy) child feels safe. Communication is great - we love looking through the pictures each evening and finding out what he has been up to. He usually comes home tired and covered in mud - sign of a fantastic day spent learning and adventuring outdoors! We would recommend Sandy Bears without hesitation - thank you for all that you do.

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Georgie Cavanagh-Wade
5 months ago

My little girl truly loves Sandy Bears 🐻 Forest School. I couldn’t recommend them enough. They truly love and care for the children and you can tell that by the beautiful photos the adventures they have put each day and the special words they say about your child. It’s such a fantastic way to start your child learning. You know it’s a beautiful place when you child runs to the bell to get into school excited for there walks out into the woods. I recommend sand bears 100%. Thank you for everything you do xx

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Charlie Jones
5 months ago

Our little boy absolutely loves being a little Sandy Bear in Saughall 🐻 He’s developed so much since starting — especially from spending so much time outdoors in nature. His curiosity, confidence and understanding of the world around him have flourished. The staff are so supportive and he loves them. It’s everything a pre school should be, letting children be children, exploring, playing and learning in nature. 🌿

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Amy Fox
7 years ago

I was so pleased and releived to find Sandy Bears for my daughter. I'd visited 3 other nurseries and 2 preschools and Sandy Bears stood head and shoulders above them. The environment is open and free for children to explore and learn. Lovely outdoor space with great activities. But most importantly the staff are genuinely caring and warm. Questions and concerns are responded in record time. The staff and management are thoughtful and creative in how they plan for the children's day. My daughter has grown in confidence a great deal and learned a lot since attending there.

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Gabriella Devonside
6 years ago

After looking around lots of nursery’s, I instantly loved Sandy Bears the staff are so warm and friendly and all the children were so happy, I knew it was where I wanted my little girl to go. She’s has grown so much since starting Sandy bears. They are always doing so many different and new activities. She absolutely loves it and gets so excited when it’s nursery day.

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Inspection history

Date: September 2012

  • July 2022Good
  • September 2016Outstanding
  • September 2012Good

Frequently asked about Sandy Bears Nursery and Pre School

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