Daisy Chain Children's Nursery

A rabbit's heartbeat, real building tools and music with local musicians give Daisy Chain Children's Nursery in Blaby a memorable character. These were concrete parts of children's learning in July 2022, with everyday interests becoming opportunities to investigate, create and work together.

At its 22 July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found that high-quality teaching helped children make rapid progress across all seven areas of learning. The nursery has capacity for 35 children; those attending in July 2022 were aged 1 to 4.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play supports communication, physical skills and understanding of the world.

In July 2022, construction interests led to work with real tools, logs and imitation bricks. Children also assembled an obstacle course using blocks and ladders, comparing shapes and sizes while practising balance. Staff joined their dinosaur adventures, connecting imaginative play with movement and mathematical language.

Animal care brought science close. That July, children helped look after the nursery's rabbit and accompanied it to the vet; a borrowed stethoscope then let them listen to its breathing and heartbeat. Music involved local musicians and early years specialists, with drums, other instruments and different musical genres giving children ways to explore rhythm and sound.

Toddlers experimented with paint and brushes, while babies heard animal stories read with pauses to give them time to respond. Local bus journeys and museum visits extended learning beyond the nursery in July 2022.

In July 2022, children supported one another during physical play, offering hands and encouragement when friends balanced on beams. Adults supervised the obstacle-building activity and discussed safe ways to move. In the baby room, staff paced storytelling around babies' responses rather than rushing through the book.

At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff able to recognise risks, understand reporting procedures and respond promptly to accidents, supported by induction, regular training and timely contact with other agencies.

Staff also took part in music therapy in July 2022, alongside the children's musical projects. Management made time for this, supporting the adults delivering the day-to-day care.

The address is 2 Rose Way, Blaby, LE8 4BY.

In July 2022, the nursery operated throughout the year, Monday to Friday, with session times of 7.45am to 5.45pm. It also provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that date.

• Attendance planning. The July 2022 session window was 7.45am to 5.45pm. At a visit, what current booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your working week?
• Learning through practical exploration. July 2022 activities included real tools, animal care and collaborative obstacle building. This approach will appeal to families who value hands-on investigation and physical play.

Daisy Chain's strongest character comes from the detail: children investigating a rabbit's heartbeat, making structures and exploring music with specialists. The July 2022 examples make it a compelling choice for families drawn to practical, interest-led learning. Its Outstanding judgement is dated, and the daily experiences described here belong to that period.