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Southmead Saplings

Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2023)
·Somerset house, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB · Bristol
Number of places
91 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2023
Local authority
Bristol

About this day nursery

Southmead Saplings, located within the hospital grounds in Bristol, provides full day care for children aged 0 to 4. Registered in 2002, the nursery prides itself on creating a warm and engaging environment where children arrive eager to learn and separate well from their parents.

The dedicated staff team, which includes 24 appropriately qualified individuals, ensures a high level of involvement in activities, adapting their approach to suit different age groups. The setting places a strong emphasis on inclusive practices, particularly for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those learning English as an additional language (EAL).

The nursery excels in fostering strong relationships with parents, who consistently provide positive feedback on their children's progress and the flexibility of the staff. Children at Southmead Saplings are encouraged to explore, experiment, and develop their curiosity, with activities tailored to their individual interests.

The nursery operates year-round, from 7 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays, and is in receipt of funding for free early education for two, three, and four-year-olds.

What it's like

Children arrive eager and keen to learn, separating well from parents as staff warmly welcome them. All children show high levels of involvement in activities. Staff use various engaging techniques, such as different tones of voice with babies and excited conversations with toddlers, to encourage interaction and focus. Pre-school children enthusiastically select from a wide range of resources and activities. They are making good progress due to the inclusive curriculum and staff responsiveness to their interests and needs.

Strong parent partnershipsInclusive provisionEngaging activitiesSupports language developmentSEND support

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)

Key facts

Opening hours

7am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays, all year round, excluding bank holidays.

Term time / All Year

All_year

Established

2002

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Southmead Saplings

Last inspected 16 February 2023

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children arrive eager and keen to learn, separating well from parents as staff warmly welcome them. All children show high levels of involvement in activities. Staff use various engaging techniques, such as different tones of voice with babies and excited conversations with toddlers, to encourage interaction and focus. Pre-school children enthusiastically select from a wide range of resources and activities. They are making good progress due to the inclusive curriculum and staff responsiveness to their interests and needs.

Inspector highlights

  • Children arrive eager and keen to learn and separate well from parents.
  • Staff use different tones of voice to engage and encourage babies to focus on toys.
  • Children are considerate and know to check that their friends have moved out of the way before jumping into the pool.
  • Pre-school children exciteedly choose from a wide selection of different resources and activities.
  • The manager and staff provide an inclusive curriculum that is ambitious for all children.
  • Staff build strong relationships with parents and find out what children enjoy doing at home.
  • Children show good imagination and curiosity.

Areas to develop

  • 1Build on how staff support children to respect their environments and resources, to help them better manage risks and keep themselves safe.
  • 2Make sure staff provide clear messages and encourage children to listen, so children know what they need to do next and can further their learning and development.
Inspection #10277006 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

There is superb support for children with SEND. The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) works closely with key persons, parents, and other professionals to monitor needs and implement support to help children reach their full potential.

Outdoor space

Toddlers enjoy the outdoor ball pit, and pre-school children engage in activities such as searching for insects and imaginative play outdoors.

EAL / language support

Staff effectively support children learning English as an additional language by talking with them, using gestures, signs, picture cards, and incorporating keywords from their home languages. They also share signs for rhymes with parents to extend learning at home.

Inspection history

Date: February 2011

  • February 2023Good
  • May 2018Good
  • August 2015Good
  • February 2011Good

Frequently asked about Southmead Saplings

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