Fun Time Nursery

Child-led play and growing independence give Fun Time Nursery its clearest character: choosing drawing materials, planning a train track and serving lunch were part of children's day in May 2023. At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, found that children made good progress towards starting school and judged safeguarding effective.

Fun Time Nursery has capacity for 50 children aged nine months to five years at its Village Street address in Derby. It operates during term time, making the school-holiday closure an important practical consideration.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing these together in their everyday experiences. In May 2023, staff planned activities around children's interests and what they needed to learn next, using observations to decide where to take learning.

Practical exploration was prominent that month. Younger children followed picture instructions to make play dough; older children investigated how much containers could hold using rice. An outdoor sandpit supported treasure play, while cubes provided opportunities to explore colour patterns and counting. These examples connect early mathematics with materials children can handle.

There were limits to the teaching. In May 2023, adults sometimes supplied answers too quickly when children encountered difficulties, reducing opportunities to work problems out themselves. Younger children also needed more chances to try new vocabulary, rather than simply hear adults use it.

In May 2023, younger children sought reassurance from their key person, while older children practised explaining their feelings. This gave emotional support a place alongside learning and play.

Independence extended to everyday routines that month: toddlers fetched drinks, older toddlers buttered crackers and preschool children decided when to have a snack. Children also served lunch and practised personal care. Small responsibilities gave them opportunities to make choices for themselves.

Communication with families in May 2023 included updates on development and ideas for learning at home. Staff shared books for parents to read with their children, creating a practical connection between nursery activities and home.

The address is 231-233 Village Street, Derby, DE23 8DD. Opening hours are 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the nursery closes for school holidays.

In May 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of its funding offer.

Following a regulatory telephone call on 3 March 2026, Ofsted recorded that the nursery had failed to notify it about changes to its governing body's membership. The dated outcome stated that the provider remained registered.

• Teaching interactions. The May 2023 improvement priorities concerned extending older children's learning and giving younger children more opportunities to develop language. During a visit, look for adults allowing children time to think and respond.
• Governance notification. The 3 March 2026 finding concerned notification of governing-body changes. Ask how the nursery has addressed that requirement.
• Term-time funding. School-holiday closures affect the childcare calendar. What funded entitlement and attendance arrangement would apply to your child now?

Fun Time Nursery suits families seeking term-time childcare within a 9am to 4pm opening day. Its May 2023 account offers concrete examples of practical learning, emotional reassurance and independence. The teaching priorities and March 2026 governance finding deserve attention alongside that positive inspection judgement.