Brookfields Day Nursery Hilton

Water play, balancing on tyres and digging in the garden gave Brookfields Day Nursery Hilton a practical, physical character in July 2025. Children explored with their hands and their whole bodies. The current age range runs from birth to five years.

At its 28 July 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found consistent support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The findings also set clear priorities for teaching, language and mealtime behaviour.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, play, conversation and practical tasks provide examples of how those requirements translate into a child's day.

In July 2025, babies explored containers through water play, toddlers practised balancing on tyres, and older children climbed equipment and dug in the garden. Indoors, pencils, chalk and play dough gave children different ways to practise hand movements used in writing. Independence mattered too: children managed their belongings and personal hygiene, practising useful skills for moving on to school.

At the July 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that some adult-led activities lacked a sufficiently clear learning purpose, older children needed more consistent guidance during meals, and staff needed to use more precise language and build children's vocabulary more consistently. Cake baking attracted children's interest, but some sessions became rushed and poorly organised. Enjoyment alone did not ensure purposeful learning.

In July 2025, staff used conversations about feelings, pictures and a mirror to help children recognise emotions. Calm adult responses gave children examples to follow when feelings became difficult.

Children needing additional help had targeted plans, with parents and relevant professionals involved in arranging support. Daily updates to parents covered wellbeing and learning, and staff shared ideas for activities at home. These were practical ways to connect nursery care with family life.

Snacks and lunches were prepared freshly on the premises in July 2025. Staff also discussed healthy eating and looking after teeth with children.

The address is 11 Main Street, Hilton, Derby, DE65 5FF. Opening hours are 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, with an all-year opening schedule.

In July 2025, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That dated participation should be kept separate from any decision about a family's current entitlement or attendance arrangement.

• Purposeful teaching. Some adult-led sessions in July 2025 were hurried and lacked clear learning aims. Ask how activities now connect to the learning planned for your child's age.
• Language and mealtimes. July 2025 priorities included extending vocabulary and giving older children clearer guidance during meals. These are useful areas to explore during a visit.
• Attendance and costs. The opening window spans the working day. Which booking pattern and funded-hours charge arrangement would apply to your family?

Brookfields suits families seeking care from infancy through to preschool age who value practical play and opportunities to develop independence. The July 2025 picture combines physical exploration and everyday self-care with specific teaching weaknesses to weigh. Clearer learning aims, richer vocabulary and calmer meals are the priorities that matter most to the decision.