Windmill Children's Centre

A Good judgement from May 2022 sits alongside a much more recent safeguarding intervention at Windmill Children's Centre on Windmill Road, Leeds. Both matter to a parent's decision. At its 24 May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, with children making progress through play and forming secure relationships with their key workers.

The centre accepts children aged 3 to 48 months and has 106 places in total. The later safeguarding action deserves close attention before choosing care here.

In May 2022, construction play gave children opportunities to count, compare weights and explore measurement. Large trays containing foam and glitter supported fingertip mark-making. These examples show how everyday play could bring mathematical ideas and early writing together.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: play supports learning alongside everyday routines. In May 2022, children could move between indoor and outdoor provision, while babies explored sensory materials and practised physical skills. Older children served their own food, giving ordinary mealtimes a role in developing independence.

There were limits to the teaching. In May 2022, staff sometimes missed opportunities to stretch children's play, and resources for pretend vet and doctor games were not always accessible. More challenge was an explicit improvement priority.

In May 2022, staff shared information with parents through daily conversations, an online platform, email and meetings. They also exchanged assessments and prepared for children's eventual move to school. This gave communication several routes rather than relying on a single conversation.

Transitions needed attention at that visit. Tidying up could interrupt absorbed play, and arrangements for moving between rooms needed further thought, especially for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

On 1 July 2026, Ofsted found that earlier safeguarding and welfare actions had not been met and issued another welfare requirements notice; its 3 July 2026 telephone follow-up confirmed that safeguarding records had been reviewed and relevant action taken to protect children's welfare.

The July requirements also covered recording existing injuries and concerns, management oversight, safeguarding and whistleblowing training, supervision while children ate, and induction covering emergency evacuation and child protection. The positive finding on 3 July concerned the records action. It does not establish completion of the other requirements.

Windmill Children's Centre is on Windmill Road, Leeds, LS10 3HG. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holiday closures.

In May 2022, session times ran from 8am until 6pm, and the centre provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of attendance and funding, rather than a current booking commitment.

• Safeguarding follow-through. The July 2026 notice covered several aspects of children's safety, while the 3 July follow-up addressed the records action. Before choosing the centre, ask to see the outcomes for the other requirements and how supervision at mealtimes now works.
• Uninterrupted play and room moves. In May 2022, abrupt tidy-up transitions and movement between rooms needed improvement. A visit should explore how children finish their activities and how a room move is planned around an individual child's needs.
• Attendance arrangements. The centre opens throughout the year and closes on bank holidays. Ask which booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your child's attendance.

For families seeking care across the year for children aged 3 to 48 months, the opening window is a useful practical starting point. The May 2022 account contains worthwhile examples of play and communication, but the July 2026 safeguarding intervention carries greater immediate decision weight. Choosing this centre calls for a clear account of the subsequent regulatory outcomes.