Playsafe at the Pavilion

In June 2022, milk crates, tyres and pretend dinosaur fossils illustrated Playsafe at the Pavilion's practical approach to play, with opportunities to think, talk and experiment. At its June 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found that children made excellent progress, with learning shaped around their individual development.

The setting is on Stocking Lane in Hillam, Leeds, LS25 5HP, with capacity for 33 children aged 0 to 60 months. The activity examples below describe June 2022 practice.

In June 2022, children arranged crates and tyres into an obstacle course, practising balance and judging manageable risks. Digging for pretend dinosaur remains led to conversations about fossils and extinct animals. These were opportunities to connect physical exploration with new ideas, rather than simply complete an activity.

Mathematics also appeared in everyday play that month. Toddlers explored shapes in sand, while older children counted berries for fruit ice lollies and investigated what happened when another item was added. Small-group work gave older children time for more concentrated activities.

The early years foundation stage brings learning, development and care together: play, conversation and daily routines all contribute to children's learning. In June 2022, familiar songs, storytelling and questions supported language practice; making pretend cement introduced new vocabulary. Cultural celebrations and factual books also opened conversations about people and historical events.

At the June 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff recognising and reporting concerns, attentive supervision and risk assessments reviewed following accidents.

In June 2022, staff gathered developmental information from parents before children started and used it to shape settling experiences. Babies kept their home routines. Children in the next room practised eating together, choosing and using utensils, while older children managed handwashing and toileting and recognised their names. Care routines therefore doubled as opportunities to practise independence.

That month, staff also challenged assumptions about boys, girls and emotions, helping children understand that different feelings are shared human experiences. Children sought adult help when a friend fell. Parents contributed information about their children, and staff revisited learning plans as development progressed.

Playsafe at the Pavilion opens Monday to Friday, from 7.15am to 6pm, on Stocking Lane, Hillam, Leeds, LS25 5HP. It operates across the year.

In June 2022, the nursery offered private childcare and funded early education for children aged two, three and four. At that time, it operated for 50 weeks, with a two-week Christmas closure. These are dated arrangements rather than a promise about current funding or holiday terms.

• Attendance planning. The opening window runs from 7.15am to 6pm on weekdays, while June 2022 arrangements included a Christmas closure. Which booking pattern and closure dates would apply to your child's place?
• Settling and independence. In June 2022, babies followed home routines and older children progressively took responsibility for everyday tasks. Consider how that progression fits your child's current routines and confidence.

Playsafe at the Pavilion suits families who value practical exploration and a gradual move towards independence. Its June 2022 examples connect climbing, counting, conversation and personal care in a coherent picture of nursery life. The Outstanding judgement gives that dated picture weight; the weekday opening window offers a useful starting point for planning attendance.