“A warm and welcoming environment, where children feel safe, included and valued” has been highlighted in a positive inspection of a small Devon childcare setting where inspectors found youngsters thriving through sensory play, outdoor exploration and close relationships with staff.
Early Worlies, based at East Worlington Primary School in East Worlington, cares for babies and toddlers aged from 0 to 2. The setting, which has nine places and is run by Chulmleigh Academy Trust, was inspected on Monday, January 19 after registering with Ofsted in December 2024. Inspectors found the provision meets the expected standard across all areas, with safeguarding requirements also met.
The report highlights how children are developing key early skills through carefully planned activities and strong support from staff.
Inspectors said: “Children acquire age- and stage-appropriate skills across all areas of learning and development, ensuring they are well prepared for subsequent educational phases, including transitions to nursery rooms for older children. Effective collaboration between staff and external professionals supports well planned and carefully managed transitions.”
Language and communication development was also noted as a strength. According to the report: “Children build strong language, communication and physical skills that prepare them well for the future. Babies smile and babble confidently, while young toddlers begin using single words with ease. All children make progress from where they started, including those who need extra support or have special educational needs and/or disabilities.”
Inspectors observed staff supporting children as they reach key developmental milestones. “Staff give individual support to help children reach important milestones. Babies build strength as they learn to sit independently and enjoy playing with balls alongside others. Toddlers show creativity as they make marks with chalk and explore music by listening and responding to different sounds.”
Behaviour and attitudes were also praised, with staff creating a calm and nurturing learning environment. The report notes that leaders and staff maintain high expectations, helping children to develop curiosity and enthusiasm for learning from a very young age.
Inspectors wrote: “Leaders and staff have high expectations for children’s behaviour and attitudes to learning. This helps create a calm, caring and positive environment. Because of this, children are curious, interested and enjoy learning from an early age.”
Staff also help children understand kindness and respect through everyday interactions. The report explains: “Staff clearly teach children about kindness and respect. For example, when children find it hard to share, adults calmly explain why sharing and taking turns matter. This support helps children learn positive behaviour and toddlers are often seen sharing toys, such as sticks found outdoors, with their friends.”
Children’s wellbeing is central to the setting’s approach, with routines and policies designed to support their emotional and physical development. Inspectors said: “Staff create a warm and welcoming environment, where children feel safe, included and valued. This helps children feel confident, calm and happy as they play and learn each day.”
Outdoor learning also plays an important role in the nursery’s daily routine. According to the report: “Children have daily opportunities to play and learn outdoors. Outdoor learning supports children’s physical development, helps them build resilience and improves their overall wellbeing.”
The curriculum was described as ambitious and carefully planned, with staff demonstrating strong knowledge of early years development. Inspectors highlighted how teaching supports all children, including those with additional needs.
The report states: “Teaching is of a high quality and supports all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, children involved with social care, and those who face barriers to learning. For example, children with speech delays receive targeted support that helps them grow in confidence when speaking.”
Strong partnerships with parents and carers were also emphasised. Inspectors noted that staff work closely with families to ensure routines such as sleep schedules, introducing solid foods and personal care are consistent between home and the setting.
Leaders and staff were praised for their commitment to maintaining high standards and supporting one another through ongoing training and supervision. The report says: “There is a strong culture of reflection and learning, and staff are encouraged to develop their skills and knowledge through ongoing training.”
Inspectors identified areas where the setting could improve further. Leaders were advised to enhance opportunities for babies and toddlers to practise physical skills such as walking, and to expand the teaching of mathematics so that children develop a deeper understanding of early number concepts.
