Chilton Happytimes Daycare

Language, growing independence and outdoor play give Chilton Happytimes Daycare its character. In April 2024, babies practised sounds and words, while older children talked about their feelings and helped one another with everyday tasks. These are practical foundations for learning and managing nursery life.

At its 8 April 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and judged that children made good progress, while identifying teaching development and mathematical challenge as priorities.

The setting has capacity for 32 children, accepting ages from birth to five.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the April 2024 activities included dough-making, conversation and movement, giving children opportunities to practise physical skills and develop language through play.

In April 2024, repeating dough-making helped children remember the process and become more confident completing it. Staff encouraged babies to imitate words and make sounds. For older children, talking about emotions linked language with everyday relationships.

Outdoor access allowed children to explore beyond indoor activities. In April 2024, babies had space to practise moving, and older children tackled low balance beams. Rolling dough exercised smaller hand movements; dancing to group songs brought larger movements into the day. Independence also had a practical expression: children fetched their coats and helped peers understand why they needed them.

The mathematical challenge was less consistent. In April 2024, planning did not reliably stretch older children's understanding, and the improvement priority specifically concerned the most able. Staff had also undertaken training in teaching approaches, but had yet to translate that learning fully into their work.

Relationships supported the daily routine. In April 2024, staff used calm reminders and modelled respectful behaviour, helping children understand expectations and respond to one another considerately. Children settled readily and showed confidence in exploring their play.

At the April 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that SEND support combined individually planned programmes, regular reviews, progress monitoring by the special educational needs coordinator and referrals for specialist help, providing coordinated preparation for children's next stage of education.

In April 2024, conversations and an online app kept parents informed about care and learning, with suggestions for supporting development at home. That gives families a practical connection between nursery activities and home life.

Chilton Happytimes Daycare's address is Chilton Primary School, Chilton, Ferryhill, DL17 0PT. Opening hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas.

In April 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of its funding provision.

• Mathematical stretch. April 2024 planning did not consistently challenge the most able children. Families whose children readily grasp number concepts should explore how activities now extend their understanding.
• Teaching development. In April 2024, training had yet to be fully applied in practice. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how staff have changed activities following that professional development.
• Working-day fit. The 5pm closing time and Christmas closure matter for family schedules. Weigh both against working hours and holiday cover.

Chilton Happytimes Daycare suits families seeking care across the year within an 8am to 5pm opening window. Its April 2024 strengths lay in communication, everyday independence and relationships with families. The balanced judgement is Good, with clearer mathematical challenge and fuller use of staff training the areas to weigh alongside those strengths.