Daisy Chains

A swing bar used for counting and real caterpillars brought into story learning give Daisy Chains a recognisable character: everyday experiences become opportunities to explore, talk and practise. At its June 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding.

Based at Henderson Avenue Childrens Centre in Scunthorpe, the setting accepts children aged 0 to 96 months. The account of daily life below describes June 2024 practice, giving families concrete examples of how learning and care worked together.

In June 2024, children combined movement with number work on the swing bar, practising physical skills and judging manageable risks. Adults allowed time for children to think and contribute their ideas. That made the activity more than physical exercise.

Books also led into practical discovery. A caterpillar story was followed by examining caterpillars and leaves, linking remembered events with living things and introducing new vocabulary. In the baby room, songs accompanied bubble play, with a pace that helped children join in through gestures and words.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the June 2024 examples show what that meant in practice: language through songs and stories, physical learning through movement, and independence through everyday tasks.

At the June 2024 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding and highly effective support for children with SEND and children learning English as an additional language, with strong progress supported by shared understanding of individual needs.

In June 2024, home visits and introductory sessions helped staff learn about families before children settled into nursery life. Relationships were a priority in the baby room. Visual aids supported communication, while children could share words from their home languages with adults and other children.

Self-help skills were practised throughout the day: children served lunch, tried cutting food, poured drinks and worked on dressing themselves. These routines gave them practical responsibilities relevant to starting school. Staff also acknowledged children's feelings and discussed solutions when expectations, such as tidying up, met resistance.

The address is Henderson Avenue Childrens Centre, Henderson Avenue, Scunthorpe, DN15 7RW. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year.

In June 2024, session times were 8.30am to 4.30pm from Monday to Thursday, ending at 4pm on Friday. At that date, the nursery offered funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Attendance planning. The June 2024 sessions ended earlier than the current 6pm closing time. Which booking pattern would cover your required hours?
• Settling arrangements. Home visits and introductory sessions formed part of June 2024 practice. Discuss how those arrangements would work for your child during a visit.

Daisy Chains suits families who value learning woven into play and practical independence. The June 2024 examples are persuasive: stories connected with living things, movement connected with counting, and daily routines gave children responsibilities. Its weekday, year-round opening pattern also matters for families organising regular childcare.