Shining Stars Day Care

Purpose-built rooms and targeted support give Shining Stars Day Care its character, but later regulatory action is central to the decision for families. This Carlton nursery has capacity for 106 children at 2 Industry Road, Barnsley.

At the 28 May 2026 inspection, Ofsted awarded Strong standard for achievement, welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, and inclusion; behaviour and routines and leadership received Expected standard, while safeguarding standards were met. Those findings must be read alongside the subsequent July action notice.

In May 2026, large rooms allowed children to choose resources and move between play areas, with a dedicated outdoor space used regularly. Children practised drawing and forming letters at a writing table. Clearing their plates after meals gave them everyday opportunities to take responsibility.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, May 2026 examples included language through play and activities shaped around individual learning plans. Staff connected new vocabulary with familiar experiences, including talking to babies about croissants they had eaten. Cooperative play activities gave children opportunities to practise sharing an activity with others.

Preschool transitions were less settled in May 2026. Children and adults sometimes lacked a clear sense of the next activity, leading to confusion and disruption. More predictable changes between activities were the specified improvement priority.

In May 2026, key persons knew children's needs, and staff adjusted babies' care around routines discussed with parents. Parents contributed to assessments; individual intervention plans, specialist input and smaller-group activities were used to address learning needs. These are concrete support mechanisms for families to weigh.

Meals in May 2026 were planned around children's routines, while activities and parent guidance addressed oral hygiene. A food bank supported families, and staff worked with health visitors and area special educational needs coordinators. These practical connections extended support beyond children's play.

On 23 July 2026, Ofsted published a complaint outcome following a regulatory visit on 16 July, requiring improvements to behaviour support, physical-intervention records, food preparation to prevent choking, and records concerning children, including accidents at home. The latest published position is that action notice; the provider remained registered at its publication.

The address is 2 Industry Road, Carlton, Barnsley, S71 3PQ. In May 2026, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, and children attending ranged from 0 to 10 years old. These describe that inspection's operating arrangements and age range, rather than today's booking options.

• July regulatory action. The 23 July 2026 notice required staff training on handling challenging behaviour and preparing food safely, alongside clearer physical-intervention and child records. Families should discuss how each requirement has been addressed before choosing care.
• Preschool transitions. In May 2026, changes between activities sometimes caused uncertainty and disruption. During a visit, ask how staff now make the next activity clear to children.
• Leadership notification. In May 2026, leaders had failed to notify a significant event, breaching requirements; the failure had not affected children's safety or wellbeing, and leaders had reviewed the notification guidance. This is a separate governance consideration alongside the later action notice.
• Attendance fit. The May 2026 opening window spanned the working day. Which attendance patterns and current ages can the nursery accommodate for your child?

Shining Stars Day Care merits consideration for families who value individual learning plans, parent involvement and practical family support. Its May 2026 findings give substance to those priorities. However, the July requirements concern everyday care, including behaviour management and choking prevention. A decision should turn on how those actions have been addressed, alongside whether the attendance arrangements fit the family's needs.