Daisy Chain Day Nursery

A digging hole transformed into a volcano and a children's committee making decisions give Daisy Chain Day Nursery a character beyond ordinary play provision. Those were features of daily life in August 2021, when children helped shape their surroundings rather than simply follow adult instructions.

At its August 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found that children made exceptional progress, with strong curiosity and considerate behaviour. That is a dated judgement, rather than a description of today's practice.

Based at Norton Community Centre in Stourbridge, the nursery has capacity for 81 children aged 3 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: education and everyday wellbeing belong together.

In August 2021, outdoor exploration gave that learning a practical shape. Children weighed natural objects to compare weight, while younger children made bird feeders. Bug hunting prompted conversations about insects and new vocabulary. These were opportunities to connect language and mathematics with things children could handle and investigate.

Older children adapted the digging hole into different imaginative settings and used a rope ladder to climb out. Their ideas changed the play itself. The children's committee also gave them responsibilities, including reminding adults to switch off lights, linking decision-making with conservation.

Read five a day was the nursery's reading policy in August 2021: four books were read at nursery and parents were asked to share a fifth at home. It made home reading part of the same routine. Conversations about children's cultures included playing a dhol drum in a procession and discussing its use at a Sikh wedding.

At the August 2021 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff recognising signs of harm and children contributing to safety rules. A toy parrot marked an agreed climbing height in a tree, making a boundary visible to children.

During August 2021, even the youngest children spent much of their day outdoors; covered spaces accommodated eating and sleeping. Growing apples and making juice connected food with practical learning.

Parents contributed photographs and details of shared books, while staff exchanged detailed information about children's learning. Staff training and monitoring supported practice, and a well-being room gave practitioners somewhere to relax. Together, these arrangements connected children's experiences, family participation and staff support.

The address is The Annexe, Norton Community Centre, Kempton Way, Norton, Stourbridge, DY8 3AZ. Opening hours are 07:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures at weekends, bank holidays and during the Christmas closure period.

In August 2021, the nursery received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. This describes participation at that time. Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation.

• Outdoor routines. Covered eating and sleeping spaces were part of the August 2021 approach. On a visit, ask how today's outdoor routine, sleep arrangements and attendance options would work for your child's age.
• Children's influence. The August 2021 committee and adaptable digging hole gave children a say in daily life. Families who value independence have concrete examples to weigh alongside the dated inspection judgement.

Daisy Chain suits families who value practical exploration, shared reading and children taking responsibility. Its August 2021 experiences offer a compelling picture of those priorities, from bird feeders to child-led decisions. The Outstanding judgement supports that historical picture; the nursery's weekday opening window provides the practical starting point for families arranging care.