Happy Days Nursery, Erdington

Lemons, scented liquids and children explaining their preferences give this Erdington nursery a recognisable character: learning starts with something children can explore and discuss. These were examples from December 2024, rather than a promise of a fixed activity timetable.

At its December 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated Happy Days Nursery, Erdington Good and judged safeguarding effective. The nursery has capacity for 70 children aged 3 to 60 months. Its strengths sit alongside two clear priorities: better planning for mathematics and greater precision in individual learning steps.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the December 2024 activities illustrate how play can bring language and exploration together. Younger children handled yoghurt while staff discussed its texture. Older children searched for concealed toy animals and explained their likes and dislikes, giving conversation a concrete starting point.

In December 2024, children could select resources and express preferences. Their artwork appeared on classroom boards, which children referred to themselves. These details put children's choices and contributions into the daily experience.

Mathematics needed more deliberate attention in December 2024: opportunities to practise mathematical ideas did not feature consistently in play. Some practitioners also needed to tailor learning plans more closely to each child's specific development needs. For parents, those are useful areas to explore alongside the appealing sensory activities.

At the December 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with SEND received effective support, including referrals to speech and language therapists, development plans informed by professionals, simple signs and picture-based communication aids. This describes practical mechanisms for responding to individual needs, rather than a general promise of inclusion.

In December 2024, staff helped children settle into activities and handled disagreements calmly. Parents received information about the day and progress updates through an online app, connecting daily care with longer-term development.

Families also contributed accounts of religious celebrations and traditional foods in December 2024. Additional funding supported regular sports-coach sessions, bringing exercise into children's experiences; no fixed weekly frequency is implied.

The address is 680 Tyburn Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B24 9RP. Opening hours are 7am to 6.15pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holiday closures.

In December 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children from nine months to four years. That dated participation should be distinguished from a current funding agreement for an individual child.

• Mathematics in play. Planning needed greater attention in December 2024. During a visit, ask how counting and other mathematical ideas now feature in children's chosen activities.
• Individual learning steps. Some staff needed more precise planning in December 2024. Ask how your child's next steps would be identified and shared with you.
• Funding arrangements. Funded early education was provided in December 2024. What attendance pattern and additional charges would apply to your child's proposed funded arrangement?

Happy Days suits families who value learning through conversation, sensory exploration and children's choices. The December 2024 picture includes concrete communication support and parent involvement, while mathematics and individual planning deserve careful attention. Its weekday opening window also gives families a clear practical starting point when considering childcare around work.