New Life Pre-School Daycare Centre

In December 2024, New Life Pre-School Daycare Centre combined a Christian ethos with language-rich play and experiences such as choosing a nursery pet fish. At its December 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. The strongest practical examples were small but purposeful: babies learning to feed themselves, older children experimenting with picture layouts, and outings that connected learning with everyday life.

The setting has capacity for 40 children at 42 George Street, Wakefield, WF1 1DL. In December 2024, children attending were aged 0 to 5. That age span is an inspection-time description.

In December 2024, the curriculum combined a Christian ethos with the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care. Its everyday expression included language, physical play and growing independence. Babies heard words matched to actions during sand play; older children explored textures and learnt vocabulary through a chosen book. Stories and songs also drew attention to sounds.

Physical learning had tangible equipment behind it. In December 2024, babies practised managing a slide, while an outdoor climbing wall gave children opportunities to develop larger movements. Dough and cornflour activities exercised fingers and introduced words for different sensations. Older children arranged loose parts in frames, linking creative choices with language about positioning.

Beyond the nursery, December 2024 experiences included visits to bus and train stations and choosing a pet fish. Access to forest school environments brought outdoor learning opportunities to children who lacked gardens at home. Families also shared cultural experiences, including making Diwali lamps and introducing traditional food. These examples connected the children's learning with places, celebrations and responsibilities beyond their immediate play space.

In December 2024, babies sought comfort from familiar staff, and practitioners encouraged independence through open cups and self-feeding. Older children managed their coats and used scissors, with help to persevere when tasks proved difficult. Care and practical learning were closely connected.

At the December 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff adapted interactions for children with limited language or SEND, made timely specialist referrals and supported children with SEND to progress as well as their peers. Bubble play was one example: staff paused for eye contact and repeated an initial sound before continuing the activity.

Parent involvement included dough workshops and sharing photographs of experiences at home in December 2024. These gave staff material to revisit with children. However, parents' views were not gathered consistently enough to help evaluate and improve the nursery.

The address is 42 George Street, Wakefield, WF1 1DL. In December 2024, the nursery operated Monday to Friday throughout the year except bank holidays, with session times of 7.30am to 6pm. These describe the arrangements at that visit.

Government-funded childcare was provided in December 2024. Families considering it should weigh the attendance arrangements alongside the care and learning examples above.

• Parental influence. December 2024's improvement priority was more consistent use of parents' views in nursery evaluation. Ask how feedback now leads to changes.
• Outdoor learning. The December 2024 examples included a climbing wall and access to forest school environments. On a visit, ask how outdoor experiences fit your child's age and confidence.

New Life suits families seeking a Christian ethos alongside practical independence and language development. Its December 2024 examples give substance to that combination, from self-feeding to cultural activities and everyday outings. The Good judgement supports that assessment; gathering parents' views more consistently was the clear improvement priority.