Farthing Wood Private Day Nursery

Sensory play and growing independence give Farthing Wood its clearest character: babies exploring paint with sponges, older children serving food for themselves, and outdoor play turning melting snow into a conversation about the weather. These are January 2023 snapshots of a nursery where ordinary activities supplied opportunities to learn.

At its 16 January 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated Farthing Wood Private Day Nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. That judgement came with practical improvements concerning follow-up of SEND referrals, cleaning behind radiator covers and communication about changes of key person. Families should weigh both parts of that assessment.

The nursery occupies Prospect House in Skircoat Green, Halifax, and has 52 places in total. Its current age range begins at two months; the room progression includes babies, toddlers and preschool children. Opening hours run from 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays.

Rooms and Ages

BABIES serves ages 0 to 2, TODDLERS ages 2 to 3, and PRESCHOOL ages 3 to 5. These age bands describe the stages of provision rather than the number of children sharing a room. For parents, the progression gives a straightforward outline of how provision changes as children grow.

In January 2023, babies practised grasping with painting tools and explored sound by tapping spoons together; children investigated foil and reflected light. The activities used texture, movement and sound rather than relying solely on adult explanation. They gave children concrete things to handle and investigate.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the January 2023 account illustrates what that can mean in daily life: conversation around stories, counting within games, sensory exploration and opportunities to practise independence.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff prompted children to discuss characters, sizes and what might happen next in January 2023. Staff revisited vocabulary and used questions to extend the conversation. Story time therefore involved children contributing ideas, rather than simply listening to an adult read.

Practical independence also featured that month. Children managed coats and shoes, washed their hands and helped themselves to food. These small tasks matter to families because they connect nursery learning with things children need to do at home and as they prepare for school.

Outdoor and Community Life

In January 2023, outings included walks to woodland and a park, alongside opportunities to climb and move through tunnels. Outdoor snow play became an investigation of melting, while dough and small tools offered another way to exercise fingers and hands. The contrast was useful: larger movements outdoors and more precise movements through making and shaping.

Alongside its early-years rooms, Farthing Wood runs an OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB & HOLIDAY CLUB for ages 4 to 11. This extends its provision into the school years, making it relevant to families considering childcare for siblings at different stages.

Relationships and Communication

In January 2023, children included friends in play, waited for one another and used polite manners. Daily conversations with parents were accompanied by written accounts of children's activities, and a parents evening provided time to discuss learning in more depth. Those different channels gave parents both everyday information and a chance for a longer conversation.

The weakness was knowing whom to approach. After key-person changes in January 2023, some parents were unsure which practitioner had taken over responsibility for their child. That mattered because information about home life and emotional wellbeing could fail to reach the practitioner responsible for the child's care.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that the special educational needs coordinator worked with parents on strategies and learning targets, but failure to check that external agencies had received referrals delayed targeted help. The issue was follow-through, rather than simply whether a referral had been sent.

Another January 2023 concern involved dirt and dust accumulating behind fixed radiator covers. Although daily cleaning took place, those covers restricted access to the radiators. This was a specific housekeeping problem requiring attention, and belongs alongside the more positive account of children's daily experiences.

Sessions and Attendance

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Farthing Wood operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and Christmas. That gives working families a substantial weekday opening window, while the holiday closures still need to fit their childcare plans.

Getting There

The address is Prospect House, New Lane, Skircoat Green, Halifax, HX3 0TE. Enquiries can be made by telephone on 01422 300060 or through the nursery's contact form, which also provides a route to arranging a visit.

Funding and Paid Extras

In January 2023, the nursery offered funded early education for children aged two, three and four. Families should obtain a current written quotation for prices before committing to a childcare arrangement.

• SEND referral follow-through. In January 2023, referrals were not consistently checked for receipt, delaying external support. Families needing this help should ask how referrals are now tracked through to action.
• Knowing the key person. January 2023 changes left some parents uncertain about their child's key person. At a visit, establish how introductions and subsequent changes are communicated.
• Cleaning behind radiator covers. The January 2023 concern was accumulated dirt and dust in areas that were difficult to reach. Ask how those areas are included in the cleaning routine.
• The complete childcare quotation. The January 2023 funding offer covered two-, three- and four-year-olds. Ask which entitlements are offered now, how funded attendance works, and what the quotation includes for food and non-food consumables.

Farthing Wood suits families seeking weekday childcare across the year, with provision extending from babies through preschool and into school-age clubs. Its January 2023 picture is strongest in hands-on exploration, conversation and everyday independence. The Good judgement provides a useful reference point; the specific concerns about referral follow-up, key-person communication and cleaning deserve equally specific questions before a family commits.