Happy Hearts Childcare The Nursery

At the March 2026 inspection, children balanced on tyres, shared a swing and explored words using sensory tiles, but mealtime safety needs equal weight in a family's decision. Based at Thoresby Colliery Cricket Club in Edwinstowe, it has capacity for 35 children.

At its March 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged achievement, behaviour and routines, curriculum and teaching, and inclusion at the expected standard, with safeguarding standards met. These are area judgements, rather than an overall grade.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning and care: play develops language, movement and growing independence. In March 2026, babies explored sensory tiles and practised words, while older children used vocabulary connected with pretend veterinary work. Stories included pauses for children to supply words, giving them an active part in reading.

Outdoor play in March 2026 included balancing on tyres and taking turns to push one another on a swing. Staff also demonstrated rolling soft balls and building with blocks, while painting tools of different sizes helped children participate. These examples show how physical activity and conversation could share the same experience.

Teaching was occasionally inconsistent in March 2026. That qualification matters alongside the examples of play: interesting resources need dependable adult support.

In March 2026, settling arrangements could be adapted to individual children, including bringing a familiar toy from home. Staff offered comfort when children became upset and responded to tiredness with familiar comforts and help to sleep. Accessible resources also let babies practise choosing for themselves.

Support in March 2026 included responding to children's gestures with simple words, adjusting routines for developmental needs and arranging referrals with parents and outside professionals. Families received information about learning to use at home; schools were encouraged to visit, and children's developmental information was shared to support the move onwards.

Ofsted's March 2026 inspection judged welfare and wellbeing and leadership and governance as needing attention, identified unsafe eating arrangements and gaps in risk checks, and found requirements unmet on both the compulsory and voluntary Childcare Registers. Some children stood and jumped while eating lunch, creating a choking risk; some activities and resources were not adequately checked for suitability. The breaches were assessed as having no significant impact on safety and welfare, but required action.

The address is Thoresby Colliery Cricket Club, Fourth Avene, Edwinstowe, NG21 9NS. In March 2026, opening hours were 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, and children attending were aged 1 to 10. These describe that month's operation.

During March 2026, staff encouraged healthier lunch choices and helped babies use spoons and older children use forks. Eating was also an opportunity to practise self-care, although safe seating required improvement.

• Eating safely. Actions concerning safe seating and protection from risks had a completion deadline of 12 March 2026. Ask how seating and supervision now work throughout meals.
• Consistent practice. March 2026 findings included uneven teaching and insufficient checks on age-appropriate resources. A visit should explore how leaders check everyday practice and apply staff training.
• Attendance arrangements. Which booking pattern and age group would apply to your child?

Happy Hearts merits consideration for families who value play involving movement, conversation and practical independence. Its March 2026 account contains tangible examples of personalised settling and cooperation with families. The decision also needs to give substantial weight to the eating arrangements, risk assessment and consistency of teaching highlighted that month.