Laugh and Learn Day Nursery

Preschool curiosity and uneven care for the youngest children define the choice at Laugh and Learn Day Nursery in Leeds. It has capacity for 100 children. At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged inclusion and behaviour, attitudes and routines to meet the expected standard, while achievement, welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, and leadership needed attention; safeguarding standards were met.

The balance matters. Positive relationships sit alongside specific concerns about babies’ routines and the consistency of teaching.

In May 2026, children attending were aged 0 to 4. The early years foundation stage sets requirements for their learning, development and care. This includes developing communication, physical skills and everyday independence, illustrated in May 2026 by butterfly discussions, balance-beam play and practising putting on shoes and coats.

During that month, babies watched balls travel along guttering, while preschool children discussed butterflies they had raised from caterpillars. Their questions reached beyond naming insects to what butterflies could eat and whether they had ears. Outdoors, preschool children practised crossing a balance beam and persisted with their chosen challenge.

Experiences for younger children were less consistently developed in May 2026. Paint mixing and interest in a woodlouse created opportunities that staff did not extend. Teaching sequences for the youngest children were unclear, and outdoor resources did not consistently support their next learning steps. The large, open indoor space also presented a noise problem for communication, although rest areas were incorporated into play space.

At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that settling arrangements helped children build trust with their key person and that children with SEND or other learning barriers received targeted support through plans developed with parents and professionals. Visual prompts helped children understand routines and express needs; staff also used words from children’s home languages.

In May 2026, baby care needed closer organisation. Water was not offered regularly, waits before outdoor play unsettled babies, and communication gaps meant staff sometimes offered food immediately after sleep. Wiping noses from behind startled young children. Staff movements between tasks were not always communicated, affecting deployment, although safety was not compromised.

Safer sleep practices and nappy-changing hygiene were followed that month. Meals were generally nutritious, but dried fruit served as a snack did not follow the nutritional guidance. Preschool children practised putting on shoes and coats, building personal independence for school.

The address is Ground Floor, Great Eastern House, Junction 7 Business Park, Wakefield Road, Leeds, LS10 3DQ. In May 2026, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm.

The May 2026 improvement requirements concerned younger children’s curriculum, consistent interactions, leaders’ monitoring of learning, mealtime organisation, babies’ drinking water and healthier snacks. These are the substantive issues against which families should assess care.

• Baby routines. May 2026 concerns involved drinking water, outdoor waits and meals after sleep. Ask how staff now coordinate these parts of a baby’s day.
• Teaching and noise. In May 2026, younger children’s learning opportunities and the open indoor space needed attention. Ask to see how activities develop children’s interests and how quieter communication is supported.
• Attendance arrangements. Does the nursery’s booking pattern fit the days and hours your family needs?

The May 2026 findings make this nursery a consideration for families looking for preschool curiosity, trusting key-person relationships and targeted support for children with additional needs. It also gives substantial reasons for caution about younger children’s daily care and teaching. Families considering a baby place should give those practical routines particular weight when deciding.