Nature Time Childcare

Inspection of Nature Time Childcare 71 St. Barnabas Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough TS5 6AZ

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children's happiness and well-being are of utmost priority. They thrive in this nurturing and inclusive nursery. Staff offer a warm welcome to every child and their family and build supportive relationships that contribute to children's high levels of emotional security. The calm atmosphere is filled with smiles. Children relax and learn in a space where they are free to express themselves and develop pride in who they are. They very quickly develop a strong sense of belonging.

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The provision is outstanding

The curriculum is inspired by relevant early childhood theories and is shaped by the needs and interests of the children attending. Staff draw on expert knowledge to carefully plan play and learning experiences in an inviting environment that ignites children's interests and nurtures their independence. Very young children, for example, demonstrate this when they insist 'I do it' when staff offer to help after they have persevered with new tasks. Children are highly motivated and eager to learn.

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The provision is outstanding

Teaching is instinctive and responsive. Staff know children extremely well and have clear aims and high expectations for their learning. Meticulous plans help to ensure that the curriculum is broad, balanced and supports all areas of child development. Staff adapt their approach and activities for children who need a different level of challenge or support. This helps to ensure that all children, regardless of their individual starting points, receive high-quality learning and care that is tailored precisely to them. All children are successful learners who make strong progress.

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need to do better?

n Leaders are passionate, forward-thinking and create a culture of reflection and growth. Their research-led vision guides practice, and they actively seek ways to enhance quality. Professional development is sharply focused and quickly implemented. For example, staff swiftly introduce many ways to 'scoop', such as during breakfast, in the sand tray and during water play, following training about how children learn through repeated experiences. n Staff well-being is of high importance, and leaders promote this with integrity. They create time and space for team connection and reflection. Regular meetings help to ensure that staff feel valued and listened to, as well as to understand the high expectations of their role. Staff say that leaders have 'made a real difference' to their 'personal well-being and professional confidence'. This contributes to the positivity within the team. Staff bring energy, enthusiasm and

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need to do better?

focus to their roles. n Learning is led by children. Staff skilfully observe how they play and engage, then focus their teaching to shape and extend learning. When children show a spark of interest, staff model curiosity, ask questions to encourage thinking and

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need to do better?

28 July 2025 weave in valuable skills and knowledge. For instance, staff teach children about number and position when they act out a familiar story in the building area. Children work through their ideas at their own pace. This helps them to reflect, solve problems and think critically. They show excellent levels of motivation and sustained focus. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities benefit from personalised support. Staff use specific strategies to support children with diverse needs. Their expert knowledge, empathy and commitment contribute to the highly effective, inclusive practice. This helps to ensure that all children are able to access the curriculum and make the best possible progress that they can in their learning. Every child is valued, understood and supported to succeed. n Routines are very well embedded and understood, even by the youngest children. For example, they join in familiar songs that help to ensure that

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need to do better?

transitions between activities are calm and predictable. This consistency helps children to feel secure. It supports their confidence and growing independence, as they learn what to expect and how to respond. n Staff's positive approach embraces children's natural and instinctive behaviours as teachable moments. They support them to understand the impact they have on others, and children learn to manage their emotions and deal with conflict. They show kindness, for example, when one child checks that each of their friends has a drink before they sit down for their meal. n Strong partnerships with parents help to enhance outcomes for children. Stay- and-play sessions, for example, give parents first-hand experience of ways to extend their children's learning and provide key opportunities to discuss their children's progress. Staff offer expert advice and act as trusted advocates when children need additional support beyond nursery. Parents value the excellent

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need to do better?

communication and thank staff for including their views and priorities in plans for children's learning. n Much thought goes into supporting children's good health. Staff are diligent throughout all care routines. For example, they check the strength of the sun on cloudy days to see if sun screen is needed and supervise children closely while they sleep. Children learn about the importance of nutritious food and personal hygiene through conversations, role modelling and daily routines that embed lifelong habits.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2752718 Local authority Middlesbrough Inspection number 10405896 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 38 Number of children on roll 26 Name of registered person Nature Time Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07730570806 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Nature Time Childcare registered in 2023 and is located in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough. The nursery operates Monday to Friday, all year round. Opening hours are from 7.30am to 6pm. There are 10 staff who work directly with the children, including five who hold a relevant qualification at level 3 and four early years teachers. The nursery provides government-funded early education places and receives additional funding for disadvantaged children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. One of the directors explained how the provision is organised and discussed the aims for the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Staff spoke to the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection. The inspector took account of the views of staff not present on the day from written feedback provided. n The inspector and a director observed part of the daily routine together and jointly evaluated the quality of care and learning being provided. n Leaders met with the inspector to discuss management of the provision. They provided relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability checks carried out on staff. n The inspector spent time with children during the inspection. She spoke to a

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Inspection activities

number of parents and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

28 July 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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