Happy Hours Day Nursery at Biddulph

Songs, animated storytelling and plenty of conversation gave Happy Hours Day Nursery at Biddulph its clearest character in May 2024. In May 2024, staff used voices and changing tones to draw children into stories, while language assessments helped them identify children needing additional support.

At its May 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and reported good progress for children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The nursery has capacity for 72 children aged 1 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the May 2024 picture included speaking, movement and growing independence through everyday activities.

In May 2024, babies had space to explore and practise walking, while older children took part in sports lessons. Staff used information about children's interests from parents to shape activities. Children could also choose what to do next, giving them a say in their play.

Trips to the seaside added experiences beyond the nursery. Leaders considered participation across the children, making access part of the planning rather than treating the outing alone as the achievement.

Teaching had two clear limitations. Questioning sometimes stopped short of stretching children's thinking, and some activities needed better organisation. A puppet-and-story activity around a small table became crowded; children pushed for space and some lost interest. The physical arrangement mattered as much as the activity itself.

In May 2024, settling happened gradually and was adapted to individual children. Staff responded affectionately when children sought comfort, giving those early sessions a personal rather than uniform shape.

Language support included assessments, targeted activities and referrals to other professionals. This connected everyday conversation with a route to additional help.

Children of different ages shared a dining room at mealtimes. Pouring water and learning to feed themselves gave them practical opportunities to become more independent. Staff also encouraged polite requests and table manners.

The address is Happy Hours Day Nursery, Lawton Street, Stoke-On-Trent, ST8 6EX. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In May 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is an inspection-date participation statement, rather than a promise of an individual funded place.

• Stretching learning. In May 2024, questioning did not consistently take children's thinking further. On a visit, look for how staff develop an answer into another learning opportunity.
• Space to participate. The May 2024 puppet activity became crowded around a small table. How activities are arranged deserves attention alongside the resources themselves.
• Your attendance plan. The nursery operates across the year with a Christmas closure. What would your proposed attendance pattern include, including funded hours, food and consumables?

Happy Hours suits families seeking year-round weekday childcare. In May 2024, conversation, physical activity and everyday independence shaped children's experiences. Its May 2024 inspection gives a positive foundation, tempered by specific work needed on extending learning and organising activities so children can participate comfortably.