Daisy Day Care

Mirrors for crawling babies, wooden balancing toys for older children and guinea pigs outdoors give Daisy Day Care a recognisable character. These were features of daily life in December 2023. At its 13 December 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged its safeguarding arrangements effective.

Based in Ampleforth, the nursery has capacity for 24 children, with a current age range of 2 to 60 months. The strongest impression from December 2023 is of practical learning: exploring objects, sharing books and taking small responsibilities. The reservations concern the organisation of mealtimes and outdoor play.

In December 2023, the baby room included a mirrored surface and shiny objects for children to explore, with resources arranged to encourage pulling up and independent movement. Books prompted babies to point at pictured animals. Older children experimented with a wooden balancing toy and built towers, bringing counting, shape and colour into their play.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the December 2023 activities illustrate learning through play: staff added vocabulary to conversations, allowed children time to respond and adapted cutting activities for different stages of development.

Outside, children practised catching and throwing, fed vegetable leaves to guinea pigs and used balance bikes. Older children also talked about badges earned through weekly swimming lessons. However, in December 2023, cycling sometimes disrupted other outdoor games, and babies had fewer developed opportunities to learn outside. Both the layout and the youngest children's outdoor experience needed attention.

At the December 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff tailored questions to children's development, supported their progress and worked with parents on additional strategies when needed, recognising when to involve other professionals.

In December 2023, praise encouraged kindness and helpfulness, while everyday tasks included wiping tables and helping to sweep. Staff reminded children to request more food politely. These small routines gave children opportunities to practise independence and consideration for others.

Parents could access folders containing achievements and next learning steps, and procedures supported the move to school. Staff supervised sleeping children, refreshed safeguarding knowledge through training and team discussions, and checked the premises for hazards. Meals included roast dinner and vegetables, with children encouraged to try different foods.

The address is 15 Millway, Ampleforth, YORK, YO62 4DR. Opening hours are 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. The annual pattern includes closures on bank holidays, two weeks at Christmas and two weeks in August, which families need to factor into their childcare planning.

In December 2023, funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated funding position rather than a promise of eligibility or a particular attendance arrangement.

• Mealtime and outdoor transitions. In December 2023, babies waited too long in highchairs for food, and handwashing queues left some children restless. Preparations for going outdoors were also disorganised: children were unclear about expectations, and some older children relied on staff to put on clothing they could manage themselves. Ask how these routines now reduce waiting and encourage independence.
• Outdoor organisation. In December 2023, balance bikes interrupted games and outdoor learning for babies needed development. A visit should explore how activities are separated and how the youngest children use the space.
• Holiday cover. The Christmas and August closures each last two weeks, alongside bank holidays. Families needing continuous care should plan around those breaks.

Daisy Day Care suits families seeking a small-capacity nursery with weekday opening hours and practical, play-based experiences. Its December 2023 picture combines books, physical exploration, animal care and growing independence. The Good judgement is encouraging; the organisation of transitions and outdoor opportunities for babies are the most useful points to explore before choosing it.