Leaps and Bounds Children's Nursery

In January 2025, stories, action rhymes and close attention to individual children characterised this Doncaster nursery. At its January 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. The strongest practical examples were warm conversations, lively storytelling and activities linked to children's interests.

Leaps and Bounds Children's Nursery accepts children aged 6 to 60 months. The nursery is based at Rossington All Saints Academy on Bond Street in New Rossington, Doncaster, DN11 0BZ.

In January 2025, storytelling involved children spotting omissions and recalling what happened next, while staff allowed time for answers in conversation. These were concrete opportunities to practise listening and vocabulary, rather than simply hear a story read aloud.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, including learning through play. In January 2025, adult-directed activities built on children's existing knowledge, but the curriculum needed to work more consistently during play children chose themselves.

Physical experiences included soft play for babies practising crawling and climbing, paintbrush handling and drawing in sand. Older children practised using stairs safely to reach the home corner. Shape activities and matching jigsaw patterns brought early mathematical ideas into play.

At the January 2025 inspection, Ofsted found exceptionally effective SEND support, with prompt referrals, manageable targets and collaboration between families and professionals. That gives parents a concrete picture of how additional needs were addressed at that time.

In January 2025, staff gathered information from parents and assessed children's starting points, then used observations to identify gaps and organise additional help. They also helped children resume familiar routines after the Christmas break and explained the reasons behind behaviour expectations.

Independence needed more consistent attention: children practised coats, handwashing and feeding themselves, but adults sometimes poured drinks or prepared fruit children could manage. Staff development also needed a sharper emphasis on teaching and recognising learning opportunities in children's own play.

Meals in January 2025 were freshly cooked on site, with children's dietary needs and allergies taken into account when food was served.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing on bank holidays and for two weeks at Christmas.

In January 2025, the nursery offered government-funded childcare places and received additional funding for disadvantaged children.

• Children's own play. The January 2025 improvement priorities included extending learning during activities children initiate. On a visit, ask how staff now develop those moments.
• Everyday independence. Adults sometimes completed manageable tasks for children in January 2025. Look for opportunities for children to serve drinks and help prepare fruit.
• Staff development. Teaching knowledge was another January 2025 improvement priority. Ask how subsequent training has changed daily practice.

This nursery suits families seeking care across the year and parents who value language-rich activities and practical support for additional needs. Its January 2025 strengths were specific: responsive conversations, engaging stories and carefully targeted help. The decision also deserves attention to how children's own play and independence have developed since then.