The Cloud Factory Childcare

Comfort for tired babies and growing independence for older children give The Cloud Factory Childcare its character. At its October 2021 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective, with children forming close relationships with staff.

Based at The Mill Outlet in Batley, the nursery has capacity for 37 children aged 3 to 60 months. Its opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The inspection picture is a dated one: its strongest details concern relationships, language and everyday independence, alongside a clear teaching improvement point.

In October 2021, stories, singing and rhymes supported language development. Babies heard short, simple phrases, while older children explored ideas through conversation and questions. Activities drew on children's interests, giving practitioners a starting point for extending their learning.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. In October 2021, play, communication and practical tasks put that framework into practice: older children helped themselves to food and poured drinks, building independence into ordinary routines.

Outdoor activity also had substance in October 2021. The nursery garden provided equipment for balancing and climbing, alongside ride-on toys; growing vegetables and fruit brought the natural world into children's experience. These were opportunities to practise movement and judge manageable risks.

Participation was less consistent. In October 2021, some children stayed at the edges of activities, and staff did not reliably help them become involved or keep trying. Interest could fade. This matters for families whose child needs encouragement to move from watching to taking part.

In October 2021, settling began with information from parents about familiar routines, preferences and existing abilities. Key persons understood children's personalities and used observations of play to plan activities. Babies received physical comfort when tired, making emotional care a concrete part of the day.

At the October 2021 inspection, Ofsted found that children needing additional help were recognised promptly, with support planned in partnership with parents and other professionals. That finding gives substance to the inspection's account of individual care.

Parent communication in October 2021 combined conversations with an online application. Families could hear about learning as well as daily experiences. A parental survey also informed plans for more experiences beyond the nursery; that was a plan at the time, rather than an established outings programme.

The address is The Mill Outlet, Yorkshire Mill, 418 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 5LZ. The nursery operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and one week at Christmas; these closures are non-chargeable.

In October 2021, funded early education covered two-, three- and four-year-old children. This is the inspection-era funding position.

• Joining in. The October 2021 improvement point concerned helping children participate and persist. At a visit, ask how practitioners now support a child who prefers to watch.
• Attendance and funding. With opening hours of 7.30am to 6pm and funding described in October 2021, ask which booking patterns and funded arrangements would fit your child's week.

The Cloud Factory Childcare suits families seeking care across the year. In October 2021, its day was organised around relationships, language and developing independence. The October 2021 examples are persuasive because they concern ordinary moments: comforting babies, talking over meals and learning outdoors. Support for children who hesitate to join activities deserves close attention when choosing it.