White Stork Nursery at The Tannery

In July 2025, woodland storytelling and vegetables grown in see-through troughs brought learning into practical experiences at White Stork Nursery at The Tannery. Children could observe the vegetables' growth. At its July 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding, found substantial progress in children's learning, especially language, and judged safeguarding effective.

The Halifax setting has 75 places in total. Children attending in July 2025 were aged 0 to 4; that is the age range at that visit.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing these together through play and everyday experiences. In July 2025, activities built on children's existing understanding while leaving room for their interests and choices.

The Gruffalo gave woodland outings a purpose. In July 2025, children searched for sticks resembling its claws and explored how animals live. Storytelling also used repetition, descriptive words and pauses for children to contribute. Books hidden locally extended reading into family life.

Outdoor learning was equally concrete in July 2025. Unsteady obstacle routes and a stile offered different physical challenges; water play introduced measurement and quantity. Transparent growing troughs let children follow vegetables as they developed. Indoors, family drawings made with crayons on polished wooden blocks opened conversations about home life, with comparisons of height bringing mathematics into the activity.

In July 2025, settling began at home: a key person and buddy visited families to learn about routines, interests and abilities before nursery attendance. That made the introduction personal rather than relying only on a first session in an unfamiliar setting.

At the July 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that individually adapted learning supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to progress, and that close work with families supported children's learning and safety.

Parents received ideas for learning at home in July 2025. Staff modelled considerate behaviour, while shared play gave children practice in listening and exchanging ideas. Leaders reviewed staff practice and invited suggestions from children, parents and practitioners; training links with other providers supported professional development. Nursery chefs cooked meals using vegetables children had grown, connecting food with their outdoor activity.

The address is Unit 2, The Tannery Business Park, Bradford Road, Halifax, HX3 7HR.

In July 2025, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, with year-round operation apart from two weeks at Christmas. These are dated opening hours rather than a choice of bookable sessions. The nursery also provided funded early education from 9 months of age at that time.

• Attendance planning. The July 2025 opening window covered weekdays, with a Christmas closure. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's week?
• Settling at home. A key person and buddy made home visits in July 2025. Discuss how that introduction would accommodate your child's routines.
• Active outdoor learning. The July 2025 activities included woodland outings, a stile and water play. Explore how these experiences are adapted for your child's stage of development.

This setting merits consideration for families who value stories, active outdoor experiences and a personal introduction to nursery life. The July 2025 judgement gives those practical examples weight. Home visits, woodland storytelling and growing food create a clear picture of what children experienced then.