Hikmat Nursery

Story-led play and friendships with older neighbours characterised Hikmat Nursery's July 2022 inspection account. Based at the Al-Hikmah Centre in Batley, it has capacity for 36 children. At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received good support.

The children attending in July 2022 were aged two to four. That account combines practical learning and close parent contact with a clear challenge: children needed more scope to direct their own play.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play supports language, physical development and growing independence.

In July 2022, stories carried through into activities. The Tiger who came to Tea prompted pretend tea-making, with children counting cups and exploring quantities by emptying and filling containers. Books became something children could act out, rather than simply hear.

An outdoor play kitchen supported imaginative cooking and conversation that same July. Staff joined children's play and emphasised new vocabulary. A parachute game gave children practice in listening and waiting for a turn.

July 2022 outings included a bakery, dentist and library, alongside regular visits to a residential home. Games with older residents helped children build relationships beyond the nursery. Physical activity was part of each day, with an equipped outdoor area, although outdoor periods were short and routines sometimes interrupted sustained play. Adult direction also left too little room for children to develop their own solutions.

In July 2022, staff used comfort and conversations about feelings to help children settle and manage emotions. They modelled manners and helped children share, connecting emotional care with everyday behaviour.

Parent communication that July combined newsletters, an online progress app and regular key-person meetings. Activity packs extended learning into the home. For children needing additional help, staff assessed development and planned targeted activities with parents and outside agencies.

Management arrangements in July 2022 included staff supervision, individual development targets and work with a local-authority adviser. Headcounts during indoor-outdoor moves, outing risk assessments and fire drills formed part of the safety routines at that time.

Later Ofsted regulatory visits identified repeated weaknesses in risk assessment and staff reporting procedures. On 14 July 2023, shortcomings had prompted changes to supervision, headcounts and risk assessment during indoor-outdoor moves, alongside reminders to report staff-conduct concerns promptly. On 29 January 2026, further actions required broader whistleblowing routes, help accessing specialist support, SEND arrangements, consideration of written risk assessments and two-way parent communication. Following the provider's response on 12 February 2026, the safeguarding and welfare actions were found to have been met.

The address is Indian Muslim Welfare Society, Al-Hikmah Centre, 28 Track Road, Batley, WF17 7AA.

In July 2022, opening hours were 8.30am to 11.30am and 12.15pm to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• Independent thinking. In July 2022, adult-led play restricted opportunities for problem-solving. Look for how children now choose activities and pursue their own ideas.
• Time to explore. July 2022 routines sometimes interrupted learning, and outdoor periods were short. A visit should explore how the day allows children to sustain an activity.
• Attendance planning. The July 2022 timetable used two separate opening windows during term time. What attendance arrangements and funded provision now apply to your child's age?
• Repeated regulatory concerns. The July 2023 and January 2026 visits identified weaknesses in risk assessment and staff reporting procedures; the February 2026 outcome confirmed that the later actions were met. Ask how these changes work in daily practice, including communication about individual needs.

Hikmat's July 2022 experience would suit families seeking story-based play, community connections and regular conversations about development. The residential-home visits and practical activities give that account substance. The important counterweight is independence: children needed greater challenge and longer stretches to explore their own choices.