St John's Day Nursery & Pre school

Farm animals, construction play and books give this Pocklington nursery a recognisable character. At its 14 May 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and reported that children made good progress from their starting points.

St John's Day Nursery & Pre school has capacity for 30 children aged 0 to 60 months. Its address is Burnby Lane, Pocklington, YO42 2QE. The strongest inspection detail concerns everyday interactions: adults getting to know families, extending children's language and helping them become more independent.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2024 activities show how play brought those elements together: babies handled toy farm animals, practised small movements and copied animal noises, while older children used construction toys for imaginative play.

In May 2024, activities became more challenging as children's skills developed. Staff tracked development and used children's interests to shape their planning. Language ran through the day, with adults adding vocabulary during play and using songs and actions together. Books were accessible for children to choose independently; shared stories also encouraged sustained attention.

Outdoor activity had a daily place in May 2024, both in the garden and around the local community. Balancing on beams gave children opportunities to attempt manageable physical challenges. Handwashing and regular drinks accompanied learning about healthy habits.

In May 2024, a longstanding staff team built close relationships with children and their families. Consistent expectations helped children understand how to treat one another. Staff wellbeing received attention through supervision meetings, which also addressed professional development.

Communication in May 2024 combined spoken handovers with an online application carrying photographs and developmental updates. Sharing songs, books and activities gave parents practical ways to continue learning at home. Mealtimes also offered practice in independence: children spread butter on crackers, added cheese and began feeding themselves, with adults encouraging polite requests.

The May 2024 improvement point concerned uneven staff practice. Monitoring needed greater precision so that practitioners with less experience or confidence received more targeted help with their teaching. That matters alongside the positive account of relationships and daily learning.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and one week at Christmas. This calendar is useful for families arranging care beyond school terms.

In May 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is an inspection-time account of participation.

• Support for staff. The May 2024 improvement point was more precise monitoring of teaching. Ask how supervision now helps less-experienced practitioners improve their interactions with children.
• Starting with a baby. Babies' farm play and close staff relationships were features of the May 2024 account. How would settling and daily routines be organised for your child?

For families seeking care across the year, the weekday opening window is a useful practical starting point. The May 2024 picture combines personal relationships, language-rich play and growing independence. More focused support for staff remains the key inspection improvement point to explore.