Looby Loos Day Nursery

Making food for birds, a teddy bear's adventures at home and an obstacle course gave Looby Loos Day Nursery's January 2024 inspection a recognisable character: learning grew from children's interests and everyday experiences. Small acts of independence mattered too, from recognising their names to organising their belongings.

Ofsted judged the nursery Good on 26 January 2024. In New Mill, Holmfirth, it has capacity for 54 children aged 3 to 59 months. The strongest decision value lies in the practical detail beneath that judgement, alongside two clear priorities for improvement.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, conversation and everyday routines contribute to their education as well as their wellbeing.

In January 2024, an interest in bird seed became an activity making feeders with lard and seeds. Staff used conversation to connect children's existing knowledge with new ideas. An obstacle course and large tyres gave children opportunities to persist with physical challenges. These examples show how a child's curiosity or determination could shape a learning experience.

Books also featured in that month's observations, with babies bringing them to adults to share. However, group storytelling sometimes overlapped with handwashing and other tasks, preventing some children from taking part fully. Younger children's opportunities to play independently also needed further development to help them sustain attention. These were substantive improvement priorities, rather than criticisms of the choice of activities.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with the SENCo working alongside parents and the inclusion team. That combination matters for families whose children need coordinated support.

In January 2024, adults responded to babies' sounds and asked permission before nappy changes, bringing communication and respect into personal care. Dolls with hearing aids and toy foods representing different cultures helped children explore differences through play.

Home learning had concrete forms that month: children took the nursery teddy bear home and shared its adventures, while toothbrushing packs supported oral care. Parent feedback had also prompted changes to menu choices, giving families a practical influence on nursery life.

The address is 60 Kirkroyds Lane, New Mill, Holmfirth, HD9 1LS. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In January 2024, funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated participation statement, rather than a promise of eligibility or a particular attendance arrangement.

• Independent play. In January 2024, younger children's learning environment needed further development. On a visit, ask how children now choose activities and sustain their play.
• Shared stories. January 2024 observations showed that other routines interrupted some children's participation. Ask how group storytelling is organised now.

Looby Loos suits families seeking year-round weekday childcare, with an inspection-era picture of interest-led activities, respectful personal care and tangible links between nursery and home. Its Good judgement sits alongside specific questions about younger children's independent play and group storytelling. Those two areas deserve attention when judging whether the nursery fits your child.