Childsplay Claremont Nursery Co-op

Inspection of Childsplay Claremont Nursery Co-op 17 Claremont Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE2 4AA

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Much thought goes into how staff welcome new children into this warm, welcoming nursery. They take time to get to know each child and their family exceptionally well, which helps them to meet children's individual needs precisely from the outset. For example, new families attend a weekly 'baby social' group in the weeks leading up to their first session. The close relationships that staff build with families are maintained throughout children's time in the nursery. This contributes to children's strong emotional well-being and their deep sense of belonging. They develop the confidence and self-belief to thrive in their learning.

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The provision is outstanding

The nursery provides children with an exceptional start to their education. Its distinct approach places curiosity, independence and creativity at the heart of learning. The ambitious curriculum is flexible and responsive to children's interests. This helps to ensure that every child is supported to learn in ways that match their needs and preferences. Staff provide an environment that inspires children, ignites their interest and sparks their thinking and conversations. Children explore with confidence, ask questions, test out their ideas and work with their friends to solve problems. For example, two children work together to find the most efficient way to transport leaves and berries in the garden. Children are high achievers. They are consistently absorbed in meaningful play and demonstrate remarkably positive attitudes to learning.

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need to do better?

n Leaders are persistent in their drive to deliver the best outcomes for children. They prioritise high-quality professional development, which helps staff to continually refine their skills and keep practice at a very high level. Messages from early years research are embedded across the nursery and contribute to carefully planned teaching approaches that have a direct impact on children's learning and development. Children benefit from a highly effective curriculum and achieve extremely well. n Staff's interactions with children are exceptional. They join children's play and introduce new and ambitious language that rapidly extends children's vocabulary. For example, children use words such as 'bold' and 'vibrant' when describing colours. Staff know when to step back and give children the freedom to lead their learning. For example, they decide to use juice from blackberries found in nature to make paint. Children know their ideas are important. This

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need to do better?

gives them confidence and leads to deeper engagement in rich learning experiences. n Every stage of childhood is important to staff. Babies receive nurturing care and begin to explore with confidence. Toddlers have time and space to develop their personalities and preferences. Older children refine and extend their skills

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need to do better?

22 August 2025 through increasingly complex play. Staff focus on the process of learning rather than a particular outcome. This helps to strengthen children's thinking, resilience and creativity. They develop attitudes and skills they need to become confident, successful lifelong learners. n Assessment is used effectively to identify children's needs at the earliest opportunity, ensuring strong provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff create precise learning plans tailored to each child, working with other professionals where appropriate, to provide the right level of support and challenge. This helps all children to make excellent progress and develop confidence and pride in the things they can do. n Children develop a strong understanding of the world and the people in it. They take part in projects such as an intergenerational programme and forest school activities. These experiences inspire them to care for others and think beyond

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need to do better?

themselves. They show empathy and understanding, for example when they move furniture so their older friends can join in comfortably. Outdoors, children learn to be safe and independent. They confidently identify risks, use tools responsibly and explain how to keep themselves and others safe. n Well-established routines help children to feel secure. They move calmly through the day and understand staff's expectations. Their conduct is exemplary. Staff model positive behaviour and attitudes. It is evident that the children themselves choose to behave well. They understand why this matters, and it leads to an environment where children work together, celebrate each other's successes and show genuine care and kindness. n Partnerships with parents are exceptional. Families are actively involved in their children's learning and speak highly of the support they receive. Staff run informative sessions that help parents to understand the curriculum and the

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need to do better?

importance of early education. Parents say these opportunities have deepened their knowledge and confidence in parenting and strengthens learning at home. Children benefit from shared approaches that support their rapid progress.

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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 319148 Local authority Newcastle upon Tyne Inspection number 10399564 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 101 Number of children on roll 138 Name of registered person Claremont Nursery Co-operative Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 0191 232 6957 Date of previous inspection 5 December 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Childsplay Claremont Nursery Co-op registered in 1982 and is located in Newcastle- upon-Tyne. The nursery employs 37 members of childcare staff. Of these, 36 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including 12 who hold qualifications at level 6. The nursery operates Monday to Friday, all year round. Opening hours are from 8.30am until 5.30pm. The nursery offers 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. n Managers accompanied the inspector on a learning walk of all areas of the nursery and discussed 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 The manager and the inspector observed and evaluated an activity together. n The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n Managers and project leaders met with the inspector to discuss leadership and management of the nursery. n The inspector looked at a range of appropriate documentation, such as evidence of the suitability checks carried out on staff. n Parents shared their views about the the nursery. A number of them spoke to the inspector during the inspection, and others provided written feedback for

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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

22 August 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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