Ashfield Plaza Day Nursery

Real food in pretend kitchens and homemade roads for toy cars give Ashfield Plaza Day Nursery a practical, playful character. In August 2024, toddlers experimented with food while preschool children turned maps of their neighbourhood into a town on the floor. Everyday experiences became opportunities to make choices, solve problems and work together.

At its 16 August 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective. Based behind Ashfield School in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, the nursery has 44 places in total and caters for babies, toddlers and preschool children. Morning, afternoon and full-day bookings sit alongside a term-time option.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play, conversation and practical experiences support their growing skills. In August 2024, that took a concrete form here. Toddlers practised spreading butter and handling cups in pretend domestic play, while older children planned routes for their cars and discussed the shapes their roads created. Mathematical language had a purpose within the game.

Small movements received attention too. During August 2024, babies explored water with cups and squeezed soaked teabags; younger babies searched through hay and wood shavings for hidden animals. Preschool children built staircases and arranged coloured construction pieces into patterns. These examples gave children different ways to practise handling materials and controlling their fingers, rather than relying on one type of activity.

Outdoor and Community Life

A grassy bank and large outdoor play equipment added physical challenge in August 2024. Toddlers pushed toy pushchairs uphill and collected natural materials, while preschool children used scooters around the equipment. Babies practised crawling and pulling themselves upright with staff close by. The physical experiences differed with children's stage of development.

Outdoor learning was also the clear weakness: in August 2024, activities outside did not consistently engage some children or respond to their individual needs. Indoor play combined activities guided by adults with children's own choices, but that balance of engaging experiences was less consistent outdoors. Families who place a high value on outdoor learning should weigh this point alongside the space itself.

Independence grew through small daily responsibilities in August 2024. Babies chose fruit at snack time; toddlers served food and practised pouring with help. Preschool children managed toileting and handwashing and helped put materials away. For parents, these are useful examples of care routines doubling as opportunities to learn practical skills.

Encouragement was visible. In August 2024, the behaviour space rocket let children move their pictures upwards after staff recognised kindness or helpfulness, making praise something they could see and share. It gave a concrete reminder of the behaviour staff valued.

The team includes a SENDco, a designated safeguarding lead and deputy safeguarding roles. These provide identified responsibilities for additional needs and safeguarding within the nursery's staff structure. A nursery cook prepares children's food; in August 2024, children received balanced meals, healthy snacks and drinking water, with daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise.

Sessions and Attendance

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Standard bookings start later: morning sessions run from 8am to 1pm, afternoons from 1pm to 6pm, and full days from 8am to 6pm. An earlier start from 7.30am requires individual agreement and carries an additional charge. That distinction matters for a parent whose working day starts early.

Full-time attendance means five full days, and term-time bookings are also offered. The nursery operates throughout the year, closing for bank holidays and Christmas. Families can therefore choose between shorter sessions, full days and a pattern tied to school terms, rather than treating the opening window as a single booking option.

Funding and Paid Extras

Education grants are accepted, alongside Tax-Free Childcare, employer voucher schemes and Care to Learn payments. In August 2024, funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation; the fees and terms explain the booking and payment arrangements.

Fees are payable monthly in advance, on the third of the month. Sickness absence is charged at the full fee, and holiday charges differ according to whether the absence falls during school terms or school closures. A sibling discount applies when both siblings attend nursery. Late collection can incur an extra charge, so the chosen session's finishing time has a financial consequence as well as a practical one.

Getting There

The address is behind Ashfield School, Sutton Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 8HP. Enquiries can be made by telephone or email. Sharing a school site does not guarantee a Reception place: nursery attendance and school admission are separate decisions.

• Outdoor engagement. The August 2024 improvement point concerned adapting outdoor experiences to individual children. On a visit, ask how staff now plan activities for a child who does not readily join outdoor play.
• Early starts and term-time attendance. A 7.30am start needs individual agreement, while term-time fees differ from other bookings. Discuss the exact pattern you need before agreeing a contract.
• The complete childcare bill. Sickness, holidays and late collection affect charges.

Ashfield Plaza suits families seeking morning or afternoon sessions as well as full-day care, with term-time attendance adding another useful option. Its August 2024 examples show learning woven into practical play and everyday independence. The Good judgement supports consideration, while the outdoor improvement point deserves a specific conversation before choosing it.