Queensbury Private Day Nursery

Cocoa-powder drawing for babies and colour mixing in puddles give Queensbury Private Day Nursery a concrete starting point: learning through hands-on exploration. These were January 2023 activities, rather than a description of today's timetable. The nursery has 90 places in total and accepts children from birth to 60 months.

At its 9 January 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective, while identifying improvements needed in group activities, baby-room handwashing and independence at mealtimes. Those practical concerns matter alongside the grade.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: play supports communication, physical development and growing independence.

In January 2023, babies traced marks through cocoa powder, copying staff demonstrations. Toddlers mixed powder paint into puddles and explored the changing colours. Both examples gave children something tangible to investigate, with early drawing and experimentation emerging from play.

Preschool children used café and dentist pretend play that month to explore community roles. Outdoors, push-along toys encouraged movement, while painting on large sheets gave children space for bigger movements. However, some group activities involved too many children or continued beyond their ability to concentrate, reducing their engagement with the learning.

In January 2023, parents and staff exchanged information through an online app, helping practitioners connect children's interests with planned activities. Picture cards featuring favourite television characters supported conversation and new vocabulary.

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that additional funding bought sensory resources and electronic devices for children with SEND, while simple signing supported communication and helped those children make good progress.

Daily routines also needed attention in January 2023. Babies had their hands washed in shared water, weakening the hygiene lesson; some younger children had fewer chances than preschool children to manage food independently. Staff turnover had prompted personalised training and support for newer practitioners. Leaders had also missed notifying a significant event, but had acknowledged the oversight and taken preventive action, with no impact on children identified.

The address is 92 High Street, Queensbury, Bradford, BD13 2PD. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closure on Bank Holidays.

In January 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That dated participation should be distinguished from a current funding arrangement.

• Group activities. In January 2023, some groups were too large or activities too lengthy for children's concentration. This matters for children who engage better in shorter, smaller-group experiences.
• Everyday independence and hygiene. January 2023 improvements covered baby handwashing and younger children's participation at snack and mealtimes. These routines affect both practical skills and daily care.
• Planning attendance. Opening hours span the working day. At a visit, what booking patterns and funded-hour arrangements would fit your family's routine?

Queensbury suits families seeking care across the working week. Sensory exploration, pretend play and outdoor movement illustrated its approach in January 2023. Its January 2023 Good judgement provides a positive dated assessment, balanced by specific weaknesses in group organisation and everyday routines. Those details give parents a useful basis for assessing how the nursery would suit their child.