ABC Nursery at Leeds FC

Foam painting, a calming sensory area and room for babies to roll gave ABC Nursery at Leeds FC a recognisable character in December 2023: hands-on play alongside space to pause. At its 8 December 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective.

Based at Elland Road in Leeds, the nursery has capacity for 30 children aged 3 to 60 months. That whole-setting figure is separate from the number of children sharing an activity or room.

In December 2023, children explored colours with foam, brushes and their hands, while dough pizza-making involved cutting with scissors. These activities brought sensory exploration and small hand movements into the same experience. Outdoors, parachute play gave children opportunities to move together and respond to instructions.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and learning into the daily routine. In December 2023, mathematics included building brick towers and counting sand scoops; older children also recognised written numerals. Mark-making supported early literacy.

Community experiences extended beyond the premises. In December 2023, trips included library story sessions, while learning about countries and cultural celebrations introduced children to life beyond their immediate surroundings. Creativity and imagination nevertheless needed more support.

At the December 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that the special educational needs coordinator worked effectively with parents and the local authority on individual plans, but teaching needed strengthening for children learning English as an additional language and those whose speaking development was below expectations.

In December 2023, the key-person arrangement gave children a familiar adult, and staff shared information about needs and learning when children changed rooms. Puppets and songs helped children explore feelings. Older children practised practical independence by putting on coats and using the bathroom themselves: preparation for managing everyday tasks, alongside their learning.

The address is Leeds United A F C Ltd, Elland Road, Leeds, LS11 0ES. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and one week over Christmas.

In December 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. This is a dated account of its funding offer.

• Speaking support. The December 2023 improvement priorities included support for children learning English as an additional language and those behind expected speaking development. Families with these needs should weigh the nursery's approach carefully.
• Creative play. In December 2023, children needed stronger opportunities to develop imagination and creativity. This matters alongside the practical and sensory activities described above.
• Planning attendance. With weekday opening from 8am to 6pm and a Christmas closure, what booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family's routine?

ABC Nursery at Leeds FC merits consideration for families seeking weekday care. For parents who value sensory play, outdoor movement and practical independence, the December 2023 observations offer relevant examples. The overall judgement in December 2023 was Good, with specific reservations about speaking support and imaginative play. Those priorities deserve weight alongside the examples of everyday learning.