Barnaby's Day Nursery

Woodland learning and conversation give Barnaby's Day Nursery its character: in January 2023, children used books to identify bird calls outdoors, while staff turned everyday care into opportunities to talk. At its 10 January 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good and safeguarding effective.

The nursery has capacity for 54 children, with an age range of 3–60 months. Its address is The Barn, Mearhouse Farm, New Mill, Holmfirth, HD9 7HA.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing those elements together rather than treating education separately from daily routines.

In January 2023, forest school sessions extended learning into the woods. Children explored bird sounds using non-fiction books, connecting reading with what they could hear around them. Number work also travelled beyond planned activities: breakfast prompted discussion of counting and shapes, while the path to forest school offered another counting opportunity.

Reading took different forms across the ages that January. Babies joined songs and rhymes; toddlers used pictures to participate in stories; older children read together and chose books independently. Staff planned next steps around what children could already do, including preparation for school.

Technology was a weaker element. In January 2023, children needed more opportunities to explore different technologies, and leaders needed to check that training translated into confident staff practice.

In January 2023, key-person relationships gave children familiar adults to approach for help. Staff soothed children to sleep on mats, and conversations continued through nappy changes and meals. Children also practised naming feelings and helping one another, making emotional understanding part of ordinary interactions.

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities made good progress through support tailored with parents and outside agencies. That January, parents were kept informed about their children's learning and current next steps.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery opens throughout the year, with a week-long Christmas closure.

In January 2023, funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds. This is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise about a family's entitlement or booking.

• Technology in everyday learning. January 2023 identified a need for more opportunities to explore technology. Ask how this now features in children's activities.
• Training put into practice. Leaders needed to strengthen checks on staff confidence after training in January 2023. Ask for an example of how training has changed practice.
• Your child's attendance pattern. The opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, with a Christmas closure. Which booking arrangement would fit your family's routine?

For families drawn to woodland experiences and learning through conversation, stories and everyday routines, Barnaby's January 2023 inspection provides a dated picture to consider. Its January 2023 strengths included familiar adult relationships and varied ways into reading and number work. The same dated assessment left clear questions about technology and the practical impact of staff training. Those are useful priorities when weighing the nursery against your child's needs.