Play Days Academy

In October 2024, books, puppets and children acting out stories gave Play Days Academy a recognisable character. Based in Glen Parva, Leicester, it accepts children aged 1 to 60 months. At its October 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective.

The strongest practical examples from October 2024 concern language: babies handled books, toddlers discussed story characters, and preschool children recreated familiar tales. The improvement points concerned participation in group discussions and teaching older children how to respond to online hazards.

In October 2024, the baby room used a spider puppet alongside a nursery rhyme, the toddler room encouraged children to recall characters and describe their clothes, and the pre-school room used conversation to extend children's thinking. These examples give parents something concrete to look for beyond an activity timetable: how staff involve children in language throughout play.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its everyday expression in October 2024 included storytelling, rhymes and conversations rather than simply listening to adults. Preschool children also used soft toys to recreate stories and repeated familiar phrases.

Outdoor play carried a practical lesson. In October 2024, children helped spot hazards in the garden and handed discarded paper to staff. Taking part made safety an activity children could understand. Group discussions included ways to welcome new children, such as showing them where toys belonged, although some older children needed more encouragement to contribute.

At its October 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with SEND received effective support through professional involvement, individual targets and additional resources, including ear defenders when playroom noise became overwhelming.

In October 2024, staff used words from children's home languages, pictures and gestures to help children learning English understand routines. This gave them several ways to follow what was happening. Staff also shared achievements and care information with parents, while take-home activity bags connected nursery learning with family time.

Oral health had a practical element: in October 2024, children received toothbrushes and toothpaste and watched supervised demonstrations on electronic devices. However, older children were not being taught how to respond to risks they might encounter online at home. Staff supervision meetings also provided time to reflect on interactions and wellbeing.

The address is Manor Court, The Ford, Glen Parva, Leicester, LE2 9TL.

In October 2024, session times ran from 7.15am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operated throughout the year, with a Christmas-to-new-year closure lasting one week. At that time, it provided funded early education from nine months of age upwards.

• Joining group discussions. In October 2024, some older children were not helped to contribute consistently. On a visit, ask how quieter children are included.
• Online safety. The October 2024 improvement point concerned helping older children respond to internet hazards at home. Ask how this is now taught alongside supervised device use.
• Attendance and funding. The October 2024 offer combined lengthy session times with funded early education from nine months upwards. Before joining, ask for the current booking arrangements and a written quotation explaining funded hours and associated charges.

Play Days Academy suits families who value storytelling, practical language activities and communication about their child's day. The October 2024 examples are useful and specific, especially the adaptations for language and sensory needs. Parents should weigh those strengths alongside the two improvement points and establish an attendance arrangement that fits their family.