Hollins Day Care

Safeguarding is the decisive issue at Hollins Day Care in Todmorden, ahead of its familiar routines and individual support. At its 4 February 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding standards not met and leadership and governance in need of urgent improvement; achievement, curriculum and teaching, and children's welfare and wellbeing needed attention, while inclusion and behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines met the expected standard.

The nursery has capacity for 50 children aged 3 to 60 months. Families considering it need to give the safeguarding findings substantial weight: the February findings concerned children's safety, staff knowledge and management oversight, rather than administrative shortcomings alone.

The early years foundation stage covers children's learning, development and care, connecting everyday play with communication, physical skills and personal development. In February 2026, stories, singing and conversation supported language, while comparisons of size and discussions of shapes brought mathematics into play.

Younger children's experience was less consistent. In February 2026, teaching did not reliably extend their existing skills, and curriculum planning did not sufficiently account for their development. This makes the youngest children's day a central consideration for families.

Practical experiences included kneading dough and using tools to form patterns. Daily outdoor play and weekly dance sessions were part of the February 2026 routine, giving children opportunities to move alongside quieter activities. Older children also helped put resources away and practised managing everyday tasks.

At the February 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that staff identified additional needs through assessment and information from families and professionals, adapted provision and worked with speech and language therapists and social care, but ineffective safeguarding supervision and staff uncertainty about abuse, referrals and allegations against adults put children at significant risk.

Relationships offered a more positive strand of daily care. In February 2026, babies received cuddles and reassurance, and children turned to familiar adults for comfort. Dough faces helped children discuss emotions; guidance at meals supported their use of cutlery. A quiet space was used for targeted support.

These experiences must be weighed alongside the safeguarding failures. Training had taken place, but in February 2026 it had not translated into dependable practice or effective management oversight.

The address is 161 Hollins Road, Todmorden, OL14 6QF. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and the nursery operates across the year.

In February 2026, requirements of both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register were not met. The February 2026 next steps included intended enforcement action and a Welfare Requirements Notice covering safeguarding knowledge and staff supervision, with action deadlines of 27 February 2026; curriculum improvement for younger children was due by 4 March 2026. These dates are past deadlines, not evidence that the required work was completed.

• Safeguarding and oversight. The February 2026 findings involved significant risk to children and ineffective staff supervision. Before choosing the nursery, ask what formal follow-up and practical changes demonstrate that these failures have been addressed.
• Care for younger children. The February 2026 curriculum and interactions did not consistently meet younger children's learning needs. During a visit, ask how activities now build on each child's development and how leaders monitor that work.

For families seeking year-round childcare within a weekday opening window, Hollins Day Care offers practical coverage. Its February 2026 routines included outdoor play, dance and individual support. However, the safeguarding and leadership findings carry much greater decision weight. Demonstrable changes to safety and oversight should be central to any decision to enrol.