The Den Nursery

Close relationships and practical independence give The Den Nursery its clearest character. At its 11 June 2026 inspection, Ofsted awarded Strong standard for welfare and wellbeing and inclusion, with Expected standard for achievement, behaviour and routines, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance. Mathematics and explanations of behaviour rules needed further work.

This Leicester setting has capacity for 34 children aged 24 to 60 months. It opens during term time and closes for school holidays.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the June 2026 activities included language, number, practical independence and understanding the world.

In June 2026, making volcanoes gave children new vocabulary and a problem to solve when their mixture failed to erupt. Staff expanded children's spoken responses into sentences. Counting received less consistent attention, however: adding ingredients did not reliably become an opportunity to connect numbers with quantities.

A water tray brought environmental ideas into play. In June 2026, children caught plastic bags and bottles among toy sea creatures, then explained why the plastic belonged in a recycling bin. A den offered a quieter physical space for sharing books with an adult, away from busier activities. Both examples show how everyday resources shaped children's experiences at that point.

At the June 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that safeguarding standards were met and that staff supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English through adapted routines, visual prompts and work with families and other professionals.

In June 2026, key-person bonds developed quickly, while picture cards and visual timetables helped children anticipate changes. Staff carried communication symbols on lanyards, used words from children's home languages and lent dual-language books for families to share. This connected communication at nursery with familiar language at home.

Practical care also had a clear place in the June 2026 day. Children brushed their teeth after snack, and staff discussed oral hygiene with parents. Mealtimes included conversation and close supervision; staff worked with families on healthy lunches. Younger children fetched outdoor clothing, while older children dressed themselves, giving independence a concrete daily purpose.

The address is The Spinney, 119 Frisby Road, Leicester, LE5 0DQ. At the 11 June 2026 inspection, the weekday opening windows were 9am to noon and 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The nursery opens during term time and closes for school holidays, so families need care arrangements that fit that calendar.

• Mathematics. In June 2026, counting and the connection between numerals and amounts were taught inconsistently. This is a specific teaching priority for families weighing the educational offer.
• Understanding behaviour. In June 2026, staff reminded children about boundaries but did not consistently explain why they mattered or how actions affected others. Children needed more help understanding the reasons behind the rules.
• Term-time attendance. The nursery closes for school holidays. At a visit, which term-time booking pattern could fit your child's attendance and your family's routine?

The Den Nursery suits families whose routines fit weekday, term-time opening and who value practical independence and communication. Its June 2026 strengths in welfare and inclusion sit alongside clear teaching priorities in mathematics and behaviour. The strongest case is the detail: shared books, communication pictures and everyday self-care, with specific areas still requiring attention.