White House Day Nursery Borrowash

Books, practical challenges and emotional reassurance shaped daily life in September 2025 at White House Day Nursery Borrowash. At that inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) received effective support. The useful detail lies in how staff helped children: pictures explained changes in the day, while encouragement helped them persist with difficult tasks.

At 142 Derby Road, Derby, DE72 3HB, the nursery has capacity for 32 children and accepts ages 0 to 60 months. Those are whole-setting places, not a room or group size.

In September 2025, the early years foundation stage took practical form through stories, exploring weather and preparing hands for writing. Children investigated rain falling from leaves and searched for rainbows with staff. Dough activities involved rolling, poking and squeezing; pencils and paintbrushes gave children opportunities to make their own marks.

Books were accessible for children to explore independently or bring to an adult for a story. Parents were encouraged to share reading both at home and in the setting, connecting children's experiences across the two.

Persistence mattered too. Staff helped children tackle container lids and encouraged another attempt when opening them proved difficult. Carrying cups for snacks and putting toys away gave children small responsibilities within the day.

In September 2025, new children received physical comfort from staff as they settled. For children with SEND, pictures helped explain transitions, including lunchtime and moving inside. Staff worked with families and other professionals, made referrals and used individual targets to guide support.

Self-care had practical help: a step enabled children to reach the handwashing sink, and reminders encouraged them to use tissues. During energetic imaginative play, adults spoke calmly at children's level about boundaries, helping play continue safely.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted identified two improvements: giving children learning English as an additional language more opportunities to explore their home languages and cultures, and strengthening conversations about how food affects health. Nutritious food was offered by staff and a cook, but explaining its benefits needed more attention.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing on bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year. This opening window helps families assess the working-day fit.

In September 2025, the setting provided funded early education for eligible children.

• Home languages and identity. The September 2025 improvement priorities included helping children learning English connect with their languages, traditions and cultures. Families for whom this matters should explore how that support now works.
• Understanding healthy food. In September 2025, nutritious food was offered, but staff needed to explain its effects on children's bodies more effectively. The distinction matters for families who value learning about food alongside eating it.
• Attendance planning. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, with bank-holiday and Christmas closures. At a visit, ask which booking pattern fits your family's routine.

For families seeking weekday childcare across the year, the opening hours provide a useful practical starting point. The September 2025 picture combines accessible books, hands-on learning and sensitive help with daily transitions. Families whose children are learning English should give particular attention to the work on language and identity; conversations about healthy food are the other clear improvement priority.