Lanefields Day Nursery

Creative play and conversation shaped the July 2022 inspection picture of Lanefields Day Nursery, but a later safeguarding intervention is central to the decision for families. At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective, with strengths in communication and relationships with parents. That judgement predates the September regulatory action below.

At 28 Smithy Lane, Skelmanthorpe, Huddersfield, HD8 9DE, the nursery has capacity for 58 children, with an accepted age range from birth to eight years. Full-day care is offered.

The early years foundation stage brings learning, development and care together: children build language, physical skills and understanding through play and interaction.

In July 2022, younger children explored textures such as sand, while older children used scissors and glue and collaborated on superhero costumes. These experiences combined sensory exploration with opportunities to practise hand control and imaginative play. Stories and songs featured daily; children also made marks in flour and practised forming letters.

Language ran through these activities. In July 2022, staff modelled words and phrases for toddlers, used signs alongside other non-verbal communication, and encouraged children to recount stories and earlier events. Musical movement and bicycle obstacles added physical challenges.

Two weaknesses qualified this picture: learning opportunities sometimes needed greater challenge, and interruptions during younger children's group activities made concentration harder.

In July 2022, information passed between key workers when children changed rooms, helping the next adult understand their learning needs. Staff also worked with local teachers on children's emotional preparation for school. Activities incorporated families' religious and cultural practices, giving children opportunities to take part respectfully.

Following an unannounced visit on 21 September 2022, Ofsted identified unhygienic nappy-disposal arrangements, accessible washing-up liquid, a difficult-to-open fire exit and an obstructed escape route, together with a failure to follow safeguarding procedures after concerns about a child, and issued a Notice to Improve. This is the latest published regulatory position; the earlier Good judgement must be read alongside it.

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. That closure pattern matters for families arranging continuous weekday care.

In July 2022, funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated description of provision, rather than a statement of today's funding arrangements.

• September safeguarding action. The September 2022 Notice to Improve addressed safeguarding responses, hygiene, hazards and emergency escape. Ask to see the subsequent official outcome and how the required changes were implemented.
• Challenge and concentration. July 2022 improvement points concerned extending learning and reducing interruptions for the youngest children. During a visit, explore how staff now organise these activities and build on children's existing skills.
• Christmas closure. One week at Christmas is excluded from the year-round opening pattern. Families needing care then will need another arrangement.

Lanefields merits consideration for families seeking full-day weekday care across the year, with an age range extending beyond preschool. Its July 2022 examples give a useful picture of language-rich play and room-to-school preparation. The September safeguarding action carries greater decision weight: understanding its subsequent outcome should come before choosing the nursery.