Kay & Dan's Daycare

Toy penguins trapped in ice give a useful picture of learning at Kay & Dan's Daycare: in January 2025, children tried out ideas to free them while staff encouraged them to keep going. This Doncaster setting has capacity for 16 children.

At its January 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received targeted help to support their progress. Children attending at that time were aged 1 to 4.

In January 2025, the early years foundation stage shaped learning through play, with staff building conversation around children's ideas. The ice activity made persistence practical: children could test an approach and try again rather than simply watch an adult solve the problem.

Language support included naming foods and showing objects to younger children. Makaton signing, used to support communication, added another way for children to express themselves. Staff also learnt words and phrases from parents in children's home languages.

Outdoor play continued in different weather. An assault course offered physical challenges, while snow and ice gave children opportunities to explore risk. Village walks, church services for Remembrance Day and visits from farmers, police and the ambulance service connected learning with the surrounding community.

In January 2025, children turned to their key person for comfort and spent time playing together, giving relationships a practical role in settling. Staff worked with external professionals and used their advice to support children's developmental needs.

Assessments included the progress check at age two, but individual learning plans needed sharper next steps. Teaching also needed more adjustment when children lost interest, so they could make fuller use of activities. These are specific limits to weigh alongside the positive relationships.

Children ate fruit daily and had freshly cooked meals prepared by the setting's leaders. Handwashing before eating formed part of the routine.

The address is The Barn, Church Walk, Doncaster, DN7 6RX.

In January 2025, opening hours ran from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Government-funded places were offered at that date. That term-time calendar is an important consideration for families arranging care around work and holidays.

• Individual learning plans. In January 2025, next steps were sometimes too broad. During a visit, ask how staff now turn assessments into a specific next challenge for each child.
• Keeping children engaged. Teaching did not consistently change when attention drifted in January 2025. Ask for an example of how practitioners adapt an activity when a child disengages.
• Term-time attendance. The January 2025 arrangement followed term time, with a 7am to 5pm window. How does the current attendance pattern fit your working week and holiday needs?

The January 2025 picture suits families who value close relationships, communication support and learning connected to village life, and whose childcare needs fit a term-time calendar. The key person approach and practical exploration give this small setting character. More precise learning goals and better responses to distraction were the important improvements to pursue.