Skip to content

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Early years · Report card

Mucky Pups Day Nursery

Inspected 5 Aug 2026 · URN EY266483

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Original PDF ↗

Summary

No overall grade in this frameworkSafeguarding met

Christine Ward

What we read, and from where

Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.

  • Achievement verified

    Expected standard

  • Behaviour, attitudes and routines verified

    Expected standard

  • Children's welfare and wellbeing verified

    Strong standard

  • Curriculum and teaching verified

    Expected standard

  • Inclusion verified

    Strong standard

  • Leadership and governance verified

    Expected standard

  • Framework verified

    Report card

  • Group verified

    Mucky Pups Day Nursery Ltd

  • Inspection datesingle source

    5 Aug 2026

  • Inspectors verified

    Christine Ward

  • Postcode verified

    B26 2JN

  • Name on report verified

    Mucky Pups Day Nursery

  • Safeguarding verified

    Met

  • URN verified

    EY266483

Page 1 of 9
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

Join free to get a short, plain-English summary of any report.

Grade profile

Each judgement on its scale, weakest to strongest.

  • AchievementExpected
  • Behaviour, attitudes and routinesExpected
  • Children's welfare and wellbeingStrong
  • Curriculum and teachingExpected
  • InclusionStrong
  • Leadership and governanceExpected

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+73Very positivemore positive than 50% of reports of this type

In line with other reports of this type.

Praisecaringhigh expectationsexcellentfeel safeeffectivewarmpositiveconfident
Criticismconcernsnot alwaysinconsistentgaps

How the report reads, start to finish

Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.

FindingsSafeguardingAbout the inspectionLeadershipWhat needs to improve positive critical
  • Findings1306w+77
  • Leadership235w+54
  • Safeguarding51w−11
  • What needs to improve84w0

Strengths

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

Concerns

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

No strong criticism found.

Next steps

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

What the report dwells on

Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.

Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
9
Words of findings
1,674
about usual (typical 1698)
Reading level
Fairly hard
Flesch 51, typical 43
Average sentence
15 words
Next steps
3
typical 3
Hedged sentences
2%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 57%Leadership 10%Safeguarding 2%What needs to improve 4%About the inspection 26%

Full report text

Mucky Pups Day Nursery

Unique reference number (URN): EY266483 Address: 140 Garretts Green Lane, Garretts Green, Birmingham, West Midlands, B26 2JN Type: Childcare on non-domestic premises Registered with Ofsted: 08/12/2003 Registers: EYR, CCR, VCR Registered person: Mucky Pups Day Nursery Ltd

p.1

Safeguarding standards met

The safeguarding standards are met. This means that leaders and/or those responsible for governance and oversight fulfil their specific responsibilities and have established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed. As a result, children are made safer and feel safe.

p.1

How we evaluate safeguarding

When we inspect settings for safeguarding, they can have the following outcomes:

p.1

How we evaluate safeguarding

Met: The setting has an open and positive culture of safeguarding. Not met: The setting has not created an open and positive culture of safeguarding. Not all legal requirements are met.

p.1

Children's welfare and wellbeing Strong standard

Leaders prioritise children's welfare and wellbeing. They have created a caring and inclusive culture where all children are supported emotionally. They make adaptations for those children who face barriers to their learning or have special educational needs and/or disabilities. For example, staff take extra time to explain things to children that need this. They are patient in their approach, helping children to feel calm and safe.

p.2

Children's welfare and wellbeing Strong standard

Children learn healthy habits through making their own food choices and learning where food comes from. They learn to take care of their oral health as they practise tooth brushing with support. Staff help them to learn about keeping themselves safe as they highlight obstacles in the environment. Children notice these and begin to risk assess the space where they play. Older children are particularly conscious of the risks that exist and take steps to remove these to keep younger children safe. Children learn to be independent. They do things for themselves and remind one another of what is expected. Children show care and empathy for one another, building close friendships with peers. This is role modelled by the caring and affectionate staff. Leaders and staff know the children and families well and are responsive to their differing needs. Leaders ensure that policies and procedures are implemented effectively. As a result, staff follow a nurturing approach,

p.2

Children's welfare and wellbeing Strong standard

showing genuine affection and interest in the children who attend.

p.2

Inclusion Strong standard

Leaders and staff have high expectations for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who face barriers to their learning. They ensure children's needs are identified early and support is accessed at the very earliest opportunity. This helps to close gaps in children's learning.

p.2

Inclusion Strong standard

Children with SEND make extremely good progress. Leaders gather detailed information about children's needs before they start at the nursery. They engage in extensive training so that they have the knowledge they need to be able to support children with medical and health needs. Staff are committed to ensuring that children gain the skills they need to confidently and competently manage unfamiliar environments such as school, helping to make transitions smooth and effective.

p.2

Inclusion Strong standard

Leaders and staff tailor support to meet children's emerging and changing needs. They work closely with other professionals to ensure support plans are targeted specifically for each child. Where children attend other settings, staff liaise with them regularly to ensure the information they have about children is up to date. Leaders and staff monitor children's progress and adjust targets according to the progress children make. For example, where children need to make further progress with their mathematical development, staff provide resources and activities to support this. Children learn about quantity alongside number recognition. As a result, they make continuous progress in their development.

p.2

Achievement Expected standard

Children make typical progress across the nursery. They develop the foundational skills they need to prepare them for their move to school. Babies make progress in their physical development, managing to build stability in their core muscles, as they go from crawling to walking. They have opportunities to practise these new skills, helping them to gain stability and eventually walk independently. Older children develop their imagination. They spend time caring for dolls as they act out scenarios where they feed them with pretend bottles and lay them down to sleep under blankets. They learn to be gentle and caring as they act out these experiences.

p.3

Achievement Expected standard

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make excellent progress in their learning. They learn to make friends and follow routines with ease. Adaptations to teaching and interactions mean that they receive the targeted support they need. They manage their personal care needs independently, and express their needs so that they are well-prepared for their move to school.

p.3

Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines Expected standard

Children settle well at this nursery. Leaders and staff develop warm and affectionate relationships with children and their families from the moment they start at the nursery. An effective key person system helps children to develop secure attachments, helping them to feel safe and develop a sense of belonging. This promotes regular attendance and helps children to establish early positive attitudes towards learning.

p.3

Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines Expected standard

Leaders and staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. Approaches to supporting children to manage their behaviour are generally implemented well across the nursery. Children quickly learn routines and follow these without prompting. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are fully included in routines. Staff make adaptations specific to children's needs so that they gradually learn to follow the routine in the same way as other children. This helps them to have the skills they need to manage unfamiliar and changing routines when they move on to school.

p.3

Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines Expected standard

Children learn to be confident and engage in independent learning. They are keen to take part in the learning opportunities on offer. Children are generally encouraged to have a go and do things independently, persevering with tasks they find difficult. On rare occasions, staff provide help for children before letting them have a go at completing tasks for themselves. Children are considerate. They ask staff for support if needed. Staff calmly remind them of what is expected. They learn to play together and cooperate. For example, they roll balls to one another and take turns with support from staff. They show care to adults and their peers, learning to be respectful and polite.

p.3

Curriculum and teaching Expected standard

Leaders have created a curriculum that generally meets the needs of all children. Staff get to know children well and understand what they know and need to learn next. They plan learning activities that incorporate children's interests and motivate them to engage. The curriculum covers all areas of learning, with a focus being placed on children's communication and language development. Children hear language throughout their nursery day, through play and general routines. Staff describe what children are doing and help them to recall past experiences. For example, during a sand activity, children talk about when they have previously visited the beach and mention the sandcastles they made. Staff provide opportunities for children to practise this further, ensuring they have containers they can fill and empty.

p.3

Curriculum and teaching Expected standard

Staff generally interact well with children during their play. They allow children to engage in independent play, and join in when children request. However, there are times when staff do not always interject to extend children's learning further when there are opportunities to do so. As a result, children's learning sometimes ends prematurely. For example, children quickly complete an activity where they use counters to match colour and pattern. Staff do not follow up this activity with further learning or provide an opportunity for children to practise this knowledge further. As a result, children's learning is not fully maximised. That said, children enjoy the activities on offer and quickly engage in further play opportunities. The curriculum is adapted for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff take time to sit with these children providing specific learning for them to extend their

p.4

Curriculum and teaching Expected standard

knowledge further. When children complete activities that build on their existing knowledge of mathematics, staff find further opportunities for them to continue this learning. As a result, teaching is inconsistent across the nursery.

p.4

Leadership and governance Expected standard

Leaders have a good oversight of the nursery. They understand families well and apply flexible approaches to policies such as settling in processes, so that all children can be included. Leaders create a warm and welcoming environment where children are keen to engage in learning. They have links with the local community where they contribute to supporting families in the local area. This helps families to adopt a sense of belonging and for children to learn about the world around them.

p.4

Leadership and governance Expected standard

Leaders are visible throughout the nursery. They accurately identify where there are improvements to be made. They include the whole staff team in changes that are made. This builds staff morale and supports their wellbeing. Staff comment that their workloads are manageable and leaders support their individual professional development needs. Leaders partner less experienced staff with those who have been in their role for longer periods to help build confidence among the staff team. Staff have regular opportunities to develop their own knowledge and skills. Those responsible for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well-trained, and support staff to implement strategies that support children who face barriers to their learning.

p.4

Leadership and governance Expected standard

Parents are highly complimentary about the staff and the nursery, commenting that their children make progress and they have been supported as a whole family unit. Parents credit smooth transitions to school, particularly for those children with SEND, to the dedication of staff.

p.4

Compulsory Childcare Register requirements

This setting has met the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

p.5

Register

When we check if settings meet the Compulsory Childcare Register requirements, they can have the following outcomes:

p.5

Voluntary Childcare Register requirements

This setting has met the requirements of the voluntary part of Childcare Register.

p.5

Register

When we check if settings meet the Voluntary Childcare Register requirements, they can have the following outcomes:

p.5

What it's like to be a child at this setting

Children arrive at the nursery happy and ready to start their learning. They are welcomed by the friendly caring staff who get to know them well. They build positive relationships with staff from the moment they start at the nursery. Children are confident and excited to play with their friends. The nursery has a family feel with a calm atmosphere where children feel motivated to engage in learning opportunities. Children feel a real sense of belonging and grow in confidence as they progress through the nursery.

p.5

About this setting

Unique reference number (URN): EY266483 Babies settle quickly. They are supported by an effective key person system, that helps staff to develop secure attachments with them. Babies have ample opportunities to explore the environment and quickly move from crawling to walking as they are curious about their surroundings and have the chance to pull themselves up on furniture and cruise around. They take interest in other children and the resources available to them.

p.6

About this setting

Older children develop the skills they need to move onto school confidently. They learn to make relationships with their peers and are caring and patient. Older children show consideration for younger children as they join together for play opportunities. They develop their imagination through role play and act out experiences they have previously encountered. Children enjoy their time at nursery and are thoroughly engaged in play and learning.

p.6

About this setting

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are extremely well supported and make the progress they need to thrive in school when the time comes for them to move on. They have targeted plans in place that detail accurate information about their needs and the support they require. They benefit from early intervention programmes and knowledgeable staff that implement effective strategies that help them to make the progress they need. Children benefit from attending nursery regularly which contributes to their ability to thrive.

p.6

Next steps

Leaders should further enhance teaching across the nursery so that learning opportunities to build on what children know and can do are maximised.

p.6

About this inspection

The inspector spoke with leaders, practitioners and parents and carers during the inspection.

p.6

About this inspection

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.

p.6

Address:

140 Garretts Green Lane Garretts Green Birmingham West Midlands B26 2JN

p.7

Address:

Type: Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.7

Address:

Registered person: Mucky Pups Day Nursery Ltd

p.7

Address:

Operating hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday : 07:30 - 17:30

p.7

Facts and figures used on inspection

This data was available to the inspector at the time of the inspection.

p.7

Exceptional

Practice is exceptional: of the highest standard nationally. Other settings can learn from it.

p.7

Strong standard

The setting reaches a strong standard. Leaders are working above the standard expected of them.

p.8

Expected standard

The setting is fulfilling the expected standard of education and/or care. This means they are following the standard set out in statutory and non ‑ statutory legislation and the professional standards expected of them.

p.8

Needs attention

The expected standards are not met but leaders are likely able to make the necessary improvements.

p.8

Urgent improvement

The setting needs to make urgent improvements to provide the expected standard of education and/or care.

p.8

Urgent improvement

services providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people.

p.8

Urgent improvement

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.8

Urgent improvement

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Urgent improvement

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Urgent improvement

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.8

Discuss this inspection

Members compare notes on inspectors and inspections here. Join free to read and post.

Join the discussion