Little Ducklings Nursery

Balance bikes, borrowed learning bags and trips by train give Little Ducklings Nursery a recognisable character in its November 2023 account of daily life. Based in Shipley, it accepts children aged 24 to 60 months and has 23 places in total.

At its November 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective. The practical emphasis was on conversation, physical activity and relationships with families, with further work needed on independence and healthy drinks.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: it brings language, movement and everyday learning together through play and routines.

In November 2023, children steered balance bikes around obstacles, practised throwing with skittles and worked dough with tools. These activities gave both larger movements and hand control a place in the day. Accessible books and storytelling props supported children choosing stories for themselves.

Conversation ran through play. During that same month, staff introduced words about weight and whether objects floated, while questions about stories encouraged children to remember what happened next. Outings included museums, parks and swimming, with journeys on trains and buses extending experience beyond the nursery.

At the November 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities involved a coordinator working with external agencies, and that all children made good progress.

In November 2023, settling began with parents sharing preferences and ways to comfort their child. Key-person relationships gave children a familiar adult who understood them. Families also had access to a food bank and help connecting with local support services.

Communication that month combined daily conversations, an online app and parent meetings. Borrowing learning bags gave families a practical way to continue activities at home. Water and milk were offered at snacks, and staff discussed fruit and healthy eating during lunch.

The address is North East Windhill Community Association, Church Street, Shipley, BD18 2NR. Opening hours are 8am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the nursery closes for school holidays.

In November 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That dated provision is relevant to families considering funded childcare, alongside the term-time calendar.

• Independence in everyday routines. In November 2023, a water jug was too heavy for children to manage alone. Ask how equipment and routines now help children do more for themselves.
• Drinks from home. In November 2023, juice brought in children's bottles weakened the healthy-eating messages used at nursery. Discuss the current drinks expectations when considering a place.
• Term-time attendance. School-holiday closures make the calendar an important part of the decision for families needing care throughout the year.

Little Ducklings suits families whose childcare needs fit term time and who value the practical learning and family support documented in November 2023. Its strongest character comes from ordinary experiences made useful: conversation during play, physical challenges and learning carried home. Independence and drinks remain the two specific improvement points from that inspection.