Lily's Nursery

A dedicated movement room, vegetable-based sensory play and conversations around a toy globe give Lily's Nursery in Batley a recognisable character. Physical activity and language run through the April 2026 picture of daily life.

At its April 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged behaviour and routines and inclusion to be Strong standard, with achievement, welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance at Expected standard; safeguarding standards were met. This is a report card with separate area judgements, rather than an overall grade.

The nursery has capacity for 69 children. Its address is Alexandra Mills, Alexandra Road, Batley, WF17 6JA.

In April 2026, babies explored vegetables through touch while staff introduced descriptive vocabulary. Older children washed vegetables outdoors and handled tools, combining sensory exploration with practice using their hands. A toy globe prompted conversation about passports and the wider world. Everyday objects supplied the starting points for learning.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the April 2026 activities connected that framework to language, movement and practical independence: children rode push bikes, used a climbing frame and practised managing personal care. The dedicated movement room provided another space for physical activity.

Mathematics needed more attention in April 2026. Older children had a mathematics area with scales, but staff confidence limited how consistently mathematical ideas entered play and routines. Mathematical activities also failed to hold the oldest children's interest reliably. Leaders had yet to recognise this weakness themselves. Extending meaningful community trips was also a development plan, rather than an established programme.

At the April 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that the key person approach supported individual care, additional needs were identified promptly and followed through with shared strategies and specialist referrals where necessary, and children made secure progress from their starting points.

In April 2026, baby-room staff knew each child's weaning stage, and children new to the setting received extra reassurance. The Colour Monster books helped children name feelings, making emotions a subject for conversation. Staff also used simple words from children's home languages to support communication.

Families received photographs and a weekly update through an online app in April 2026. Staff gathered information about celebrations at home and planned activities for Easter and Eid. Meals were generally balanced at that time, while leaders were reviewing menus for hidden sugar and salt. Further independence with open cups and pouring drinks remained a development priority.

Alexandra Mills on Alexandra Road is the nursery's Batley base, with postcode WF17 6JA. In April 2026, opening hours were 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and children attending were aged 1 to 4. These are dated operating details, distinct from the nursery's total capacity of 69 places.

• Mathematics teaching. The April 2026 improvement priority was greater staff confidence and more consistent mathematical learning. Ask how teaching now engages the oldest children and brings number and measurement into daily activities.
• Attendance arrangements. The April 2026 opening window covered weekdays from 8am to 6pm. Which booking patterns, age groups and funded arrangements would suit your child now?
• Growing independence. In April 2026, open-cup drinking and pouring were areas for further development. During a visit, explore how children practise these skills alongside meals and personal care.

Lily's Nursery suits families who value practical independence, physical activity and language-rich play. Its April 2026 strengths lay in relationships, routines and inclusion, with concrete experiences extending from vegetables to a toy globe. Mathematics teaching is the clear point to weigh alongside those strengths.