Childcare, Sandal

Books, early mark-making and interest-led yoga give Childcare, Sandal's September 2024 picture its character. Babies experimented with pictures, while preschool children explored balance and learnt how books are put together. These are concrete examples of learning through everyday activity.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 30 September 2024. At 255 Barnsley Road, Wakefield, WF1 5NU, it has capacity for 49 children aged 3 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, connecting everyday experiences with the skills children are developing. In September 2024, activities built on existing knowledge and gave children opportunities to revisit skills before tackling something new.

In the baby room, sponges and stamps supported picture-making; elsewhere, chunky crayons and other drawing tools gave children practice controlling their hands. Preschool children explored book covers and spines, as well as how to handle books carefully. The progression linked early exploration with the hand control needed for writing later.

Yoga sessions in September 2024 took their themes from preschool children's interests. Children balanced and copied an adult's movements, combining physical activity with listening and following directions. Staff also demonstrated tools for working with dough, giving children an example to try for themselves. In September 2024, managers identified a need to give children more chances to think critically and experiences that spark curiosity.

In September 2024, knowledge about children's needs extended beyond their individual key person. Other staff understood what each child was working towards, helping care and learning continue when that familiar adult was away. Conversations during play and stories helped children identify feelings; adults stepped in sensitively when emotions became difficult to manage.

At the September 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and staff supported to meet children's special educational needs and/or disabilities, with children making good progress from their individual starting points.

School preparation in September 2024 included independence, expressing needs and following directions. Learning to greet other children, share and recognise friends made social confidence part of that preparation too.

Parent communication needed further development at that date. Staff needed stronger exchanges about children's earlier experiences and more effective ways to help families extend learning at home. Individual coaching had also started but needed to become established across the team, so teaching was more consistent between age groups.

Opening hours are 8am to 5.50pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates throughout the year, closing for bank holidays and one week at Christmas. That calendar suits families whose childcare needs continue beyond school terms.

In September 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Communication with home. September 2024 findings called for stronger exchanges with parents about children's experiences and learning. Families who want to build on activities at home should weigh this alongside the practical learning examples.
• Consistency between age groups. Individual staff coaching was still developing in September 2024. More established supervision was needed to make teaching consistent throughout the nursery.
• Your attendance pattern. The weekday opening window runs from 8am to 5.50pm. At a visit, which booking arrangement would fit your working hours and child's routine?

Childcare, Sandal suits families seeking weekday childcare across the year, with an inspection-era picture of hands-on learning and attention to children's emotional and social development. Books, drawing materials and yoga made that picture tangible. The Good judgement from September 2024 sits alongside two clear priorities: stronger parent partnerships and more consistent staff coaching.