Starjumps Nursery

Puddles, digging tools and discoveries beneath the soil give Starjumps Nursery's May 2023 daily life its character. Children responded to a sudden downpour by putting on boots and splashing outside with staff: an example of adults making room for children's interests.

At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall. Starjumps has capacity for 30 children, with an accepted age range of 3 to 60 months.

In May 2023, babies explored water, cornflour and custard, finding toy animals while staff sang familiar songs. Puppets accompanied stories, giving younger children opportunities to hear language through play and shared attention.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: everyday play supports learning alongside their physical and emotional needs. In May 2023, counting and shape-sorting were part of the day, with adults introducing language about size and quantity as children played.

Outdoor activity combined movement with exploration. In May 2023, children rode bikes, used wheeled toys and climbed substantial outdoor equipment. Adults demonstrated digging with spades in the garden, where children searched for insects. These examples connect physical activity with practical discovery.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and judged that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefited from a curriculum supporting independence and self-care.

In May 2023, older children helped themselves at meals and made decisions about their play. Staff explained handwashing before eating and after using the bathroom, connecting daily routines with an understanding of hygiene.

Communication with families included sharing observations and assessments in May 2023. Parents were also invited to stay and play. Staff supervision meetings addressed training needs and wellbeing, while daily checks tackled environmental hazards, including potential trips.

The address is Suite 6 Batley Business Park, Technology Drive, Batley, WF17 6ER. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week over Christmas.

In May 2023, session times ran from 7.30am to 6pm, and the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. This is a dated account of the funding provision.

• Transitions between activities. In May 2023, changes of activity could become disorganised, including tidying away. Ask how the daily routine now helps children move calmly between activities.
• Early reading practice. In May 2023, some children disengaged during large group circles, and adults used incorrect sounds when working on the initial letters of children's names. Ask how group sessions and letter-sound teaching now work.
• Attendance and funding. The opening window stretches from early morning into the evening, while the May 2023 funding provision covered two-, three- and four-year-olds. Which booking arrangements and funded-hours terms would apply to your child's attendance?

Starjumps merits consideration by families seeking care for children aged 3 to 60 months within a weekday opening window of 7.30am to 6pm. Its May 2023 picture combines hands-on outdoor exploration, sensory play and opportunities for independence. The weaknesses in transitions and early reading practice are equally relevant to the decision: they give families concrete points to explore alongside the Good judgement.