Earlybirds Daycare

Water play, practical independence and space to pause give Earlybirds Daycare its clearest character. At its September 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.

Based at Normanton Methodist Church on Wakefield Road, the nursery accepts children aged 3 to 60 months. Its strongest inspection examples concern ordinary routines made useful: pouring drinks, choosing play resources and talking about quantities.

In September 2024, learning included exploring hidden objects by touch and discussing what they might be. Water containers prompted conversations about quantities, while counting was woven into routines. These examples made early mathematics part of practical play rather than a separate exercise.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the September 2024 examples connected it to conversation, physical activity and growing independence. Children practised handling serving tongs, dressing for outdoor play and choosing their own activities.

Outdoor provision at that visit included giant tyres, climbing frames and toys children could ride. Children used the outdoor space daily for movement and exercise. Indoors, a calm area gave them somewhere to pause and consider their feelings.

In September 2024, children needing comfort received reassurance and cuddles. Staff demonstrated considerate behaviour and helped children talk about emotions. Support for independence extended to handwashing and managing coats and shoes, making care routines opportunities to practise useful skills.

Families had daily conversations with staff and received photographs through an online app. Advice about toilet training connected nursery routines with home life. For children with additional needs, staff worked with parents and outside agencies; information was also passed to the schools children moved on to, supporting continuity.

Communication was less consistent in the baby room. Staff sometimes missed opportunities to repeat children's language, expand it or demonstrate words. Another development point concerned bringing parents' views into the nursery's evaluation of its strengths and priorities.

Earlybirds Daycare is at Normanton Methodist Church, Wakefield Road, Normanton, WF6 1AG. Opening hours are 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In September 2024, session times ran from 7am to 7pm, and the nursery provided funded early education for two- and three-year-olds. Meals were home-cooked, and staff used discussions about food and hygiene to introduce healthy habits.

• Language in the baby room. September 2024 practice was inconsistent in extending and modelling language. Ask how practitioners now build conversation into babies' care and play.
• Parents' influence. In September 2024, parent feedback was not yet part of evaluating the nursery's strengths and development needs. Ask how families now contribute to those decisions.
• Settling into a long opening day. The nursery opens from 7am to 7pm. What settling arrangements would support your child's intended attendance pattern?

Earlybirds Daycare merits consideration for families seeking a nursery with practical independence and everyday mathematical learning evident in its September 2024 inspection. Its weekday opening window may suit parents whose working hours start early or finish late. For families with babies, the language-development point deserves particular attention alongside the positive overall judgement.