Best Friends Day Nursery

In February 2025, books to borrow and a family room with computers gave Best Friends Day Nursery in Hoole a character that extended beyond children's play. At its February 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective. The strongest practical examples were shared reading, opportunities for independence and activities linking nursery life with home.

Based at Carlton House, Lightfoot Street, Chester, CH2 3AD, the nursery has 51 places in total and accepts children aged 3 to 60 months. That whole-setting capacity is separate from the number attending any individual room.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the February 2025 daily timetable combined activities organised by staff with play initiated by children. Music specialists and sports coaches also led weekly group sessions, adding experiences beyond that everyday timetable.

In February 2025, story sessions used expressive delivery, discussion of illustrations and pauses for children to predict the next development. A well-stocked library let children borrow books, taking reading into family life. Independence had an equally concrete expression: children washed their own plates after eating, with adults allowing time for them to attempt tasks themselves.

Ofsted also identified in February 2025 that some learning targets were too demanding for children's existing skills, and that information passed between rooms did not consistently protect continuity in learning. These are useful points to explore alongside the engaging activities.

In February 2025, staff helped children settle when they began attending. Moving between rooms needed more attention: knowledge about a child did not always reach the next key worker effectively. For parents, the important distinction is between a supported first start and a later move that preserves what staff already know about their child.

A dedicated family room provided computers, tea and coffee in February 2025, giving parents a practical space of their own. Staff development combined training with mentoring and coaching, while designated well-being officers supported colleagues.

At that time, children received a hot meal cooked fresh each day; kitchen staff involved them in baking, and recipes went home for families to try. Meals also gave children time to sit together and talk.

Carlton House is on Lightfoot Street in Hoole, Chester, CH2 3AD. Opening hours are 7.15am to 6.15pm, Monday to Friday, with year-round operation and closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In February 2025, the nursery offered government-funded childcare. Families considering funding should distinguish that dated participation from the terms of their own booking.

• Learning targets. In February 2025, some next steps went beyond children's existing skills. Ask how staff now choose achievable targets and build on earlier learning.
• Room changes. Information sharing between rooms needed attention in February 2025. Ask how the next key person receives knowledge about your child's development and routines.
• Your attendance pattern. The nursery opens throughout the year, with bank holiday and Christmas closures. Ask which booking pattern fits your required days and how funded hours, meals and consumables are treated within it.

Best Friends Day Nursery suits families seeking year-round childcare. In February 2025, shared stories, practical independence and specialist group activities featured in children's days. Its February 2025 examples offer useful substance: borrowing books and taking recipes home connect children's experiences with family life. The decision should also give weight to how learning targets and room handovers now work.