Happy Days Nursery & Preschool, Tunbridge Wells

Picture books, paint rollers and a garden divided between age groups give this Clanricarde Gardens nursery its character. In April 2026, babies explored colour and water while older children practised recognising numbers through a fishing game. Ordinary play had a clear learning purpose.

At its 14 April 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six assessed areas to be at the expected standard and safeguarding standards to be met. Happy Days Nursery & Preschool, Tunbridge Wells has 92 places in total and accepts children aged 3 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, conversation and everyday routines contribute to their learning. In April 2026, the curriculum was being reshaped following a change of ownership, while retaining its seven areas of learning.

Books brought different ages into conversation. During April 2026, babies responded to animal pictures with sounds, while older children sustained their interest across several stories. Painting with rollers and brushes gave babies another way to explore. Older children used a numbered fishing game to practise recognising numerals and handling a net, with children waiting for their turns.

Outside, each age group had its own garden space in April 2026. Younger children practised climbing; running games and hide-and-seek gave children opportunities to move more energetically. These were different physical challenges within the same setting.

Everyday independence also formed part of learning in April 2026. Babies fetched aprons before an adult helped them put them on; older children collected their own coats or jumpers when they needed them. These small tasks gave children a part to play in managing their day. Preparation for the next stage of learning included practical self-care, alongside the stories and number activities that featured in their play.

In April 2026, staff used songs to prepare babies for nappy changes and helped younger children rest in ways that followed their routines at home. A sand timer made waiting for popular toys easier to understand. Small signals mattered.

Personal care included practising hygiene in April 2026: staff prompted children to clean their hands and faces following meals. Adults stayed nearby when children needed physical comfort, offering a cuddle in response to emotional needs. That placed care within the ordinary rhythm of the day.

Family information also shaped the response to children in April 2026. Staff discussed children's backgrounds with parents and followed up the reasons for absences. When a child had been ill, that information helped staff respond on their next nursery day. Communication had a practical purpose beyond sharing photographs: it helped adults understand what a child brought with them from home.

At the April 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that support plans were reviewed with parents and other professionals, but SEND strategies and teaching were applied unevenly, and staff supervision needed sharper attention to improving consistency. For families whose child needs additional support, the distinction between having a plan and carrying it through is a significant consideration.

Communication also extended beyond spoken English. In April 2026, staff used children's familiar signs alongside speech and considered development in home languages. Parents could see photographs of their child's day through an app. Cooked lunches were served, with arrangements for individual dietary needs; mealtimes also included help with cutlery and manners.

The address is 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1PH. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and one week at Christmas. Those closures matter when arranging care around work.

• Consistency across ages. In April 2026, teaching varied between staff. On a visit, ask how supervision now targets those differences and how the same learning intentions are carried through each age group.
• Additional support in practice. April 2026 findings identified uneven use of SEND strategies despite support plans and professional involvement. Ask for an example of how an agreed strategy is used throughout a child's day and reviewed with parents.
• The youngest children's day. Babies' April 2026 experiences included sensory play, familiar songs and support with sleep. Ask how settling, rest and communication would be organised around your baby's own routines.

Happy Days suits families seeking care from infancy through the preschool years, with weekday opening hours that extend into the early evening. Its April 2026 daily life combined stories, practical independence and outdoor movement. The deciding issue is consistency: families should weigh those experiences alongside the specific improvements needed in teaching, SEND support and staff supervision.