Daisy Chains Pre-School

A sock-description game captures Daisy Chains Pre-School’s character: in June 2024, children explored vocabulary, rhythm and taking turns through an everyday object. Small experiences became purposeful learning.

Daisy Chains serves children aged two to five in Thurlstone, with capacity for 26 children. At its June 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding and found safeguarding effective, with learning carefully organised around individual children.

In June 2024, the early years foundation stage shaped the provision: children developed language, physical skills and social understanding through play and planned activities. Staff adjusted questions to involve children with different levels of understanding, while action songs incorporated signing.

Books were accessible throughout the play spaces in June 2024, and shared stories included questions that encouraged children to contribute. Outdoors, children had room for riding, painting, reading and running each day. A remembered pumpkin-collecting experience became an invented game about size, connecting earlier experiences with new learning.

In June 2024, a predictable daily sequence helped children understand what would happen next, while choices about play gave them opportunities to make decisions. Staff joined children at lunch for conversation, making an ordinary care routine another opportunity to listen and talk.

The key-person arrangements in June 2024 included a morning staff discussion and information-sharing throughout the day. Individual learning plans were reviewed with parents and other professionals; communication also included email, newsletters and daily conversations. These gave families several ways to contribute to their child’s care.

By the June 2024 inspection, staff had developed a veterinary role-play area in response to children’s interest in dogs. Staff also supported visits to the adjoining school to familiarise children with their next setting.

Daisy Chains is on Royd Moor Road, Thurlstone, Sheffield, S36 9RD. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with bank holidays closed.

In June 2024, the pre-school provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. That inspection-time provision is relevant for families planning how to pay for attendance, alongside the care pattern they need.

• Attendance and funding. For a visit, ask how the current booking patterns and funded hours fit your working week.
• Learning through conversation. In June 2024, staff used shared stories, lunchtime discussion and group games to develop language. This will interest families who value talk woven into ordinary activities.
• Preparing for school. June 2024 practice included visits to the adjoining school. These helped children become familiar with their next setting.

Daisy Chains suits families seeking preschool care for children aged two to five, especially those who value language-rich play and close communication. Its June 2024 practice combined daily outdoor activity, responsive planning and individual support. The strongest case rests on those concrete experiences and the dated Outstanding judgement.