Happy Days

Children’s own ideas give Happy Days its character: building a storybook house, writing cards and drawing adults into messy play were all part of its January 2025 life. At its 8 January 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, found that children made good progress and judged safeguarding effective.

Based at Jarrow Comcare, Glasgow Road Clinic, Jarrow NE32 4AU, the nursery accepts children aged 12 to 60 months and has 42 places in total.

The early years foundation stage connects children’s learning, development and care: play helps build language, physical skills and understanding alongside everyday independence.

In January 2025, children could take their play in directions they chose, with staff supplying resources to extend their ideas. Toddlers counted building bricks while constructing a house for the Three Little Pigs, connecting a familiar story with early number learning. Children also wrote letters and cards, giving their developing writing a purpose.

Preschool welcome time brought children together to sing and decide what to do that day. Its organisation needed attention: some children lost interest when faced with excessive information or choices. Independent play engaged children more consistently. Outdoor equipment had also been introduced to support physical development.

In January 2025, familiar staff offered affection and encouragement, while children practised handling disagreements through sharing, taking turns and discussing feelings. Adults helped them understand how their actions affected others.

Assessments identified children needing additional help, followed by targeted activities in small groups. During cupcake making, staff demonstrated speech sounds to support language development. This connected extra help with an activity children could take part in.

Written daily diaries and an app supported exchanges with parents about learning. Children practised managing clothing and serving meals, and the special helper role gave them responsibility within everyday routines. These were practical opportunities to do things for themselves.

Happy Days opens Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6pm, across the year, with Bank Holiday closures. Its address is Jarrow Comcare, Glasgow Road Clinic, Jarrow NE32 4AU.

In January 2025, the nursery offered government-funded childcare and received additional funding for disadvantaged children.

• Group participation. In January 2025, some children disengaged during shared activities because the amount of information or choice became overwhelming. Families should explore how welcome time now accommodates children who need a simpler structure.
• Teaching development. In January 2025, leaders needed more precise evaluation of teaching and better targeted staff development, including support for teaching letter sounds. This matters as children begin connecting spoken sounds with writing.
• Attendance planning. The opening window runs from 7am to 6pm on weekdays. Which booking pattern would fit your child’s routine and your working day?

Happy Days suits families who value child-led play alongside practical independence. The January 2025 picture included purposeful story-based counting, writing and parent communication, balanced by clear work to do on group participation and staff development. The weekday opening window is useful for parents planning care around work; children’s engagement remains the central consideration.