Upton Daycare

Dough play about volcanoes, shopping for baking ingredients and balancing on garden beams give Upton Daycare a practical, hands-on character. In February 2025, these experiences brought language, community life and physical activity into children's play. The setting has capacity for 18 children.

At its February 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged Upton Daycare Good overall, found safeguarding effective and recognised good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children attending then were aged two to four. The main development points were everyday mathematics and children's understanding of diversity.

In February 2025, activities followed children's interests and existing skills. A water tray prompted exploration of sea creatures; dough play introduced vocabulary about lava and volcanoes. Adults asked questions that invited longer answers and allowed children time to respond. These were concrete ways to build conversation through play.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the February 2025 examples included stories, singing, conversation and physical play, showing how learning could sit within familiar activities rather than separate lessons.

The 50 things to do before they are five scheme extended activities into family life: children tried suggestions with parents, discussed their experiences at circle time and earned a small prize after completing five. It gave home experiences a place in nursery conversations.

Community experiences also featured in February 2025. Children visited shops for baking ingredients, alongside outings to a park and library; dental nurses, police officers and postal workers visited the setting. Outdoors, large tyres, footballs and balance beams offered different physical challenges.

In February 2025, familiar routines helped children anticipate the next part of their day. Choosing songs, taking turns and managing coats gave them opportunities to practise independence. A story about emotions led to conversations about each child's feelings.

Children learning English alongside another language had a key worker who encouraged both English and their home language when they started. This made settling and communication closely connected. Parents received updates about care and progress through an online app and conversations with staff, while questionnaires gave families a way to contribute feedback.

Upton Daycare's address is Upton Primary School, Waggon Lane, Upton, Pontefract, WF9 1JS.

In February 2025, opening hours were 8am to 4.30pm on weekdays during term time, and the nursery provided government-funded childcare. That dated opening pattern is useful context for families planning childcare around the school calendar.

• Mathematics in play. In February 2025, counting, number work and mathematical vocabulary needed to become more consistent parts of everyday activities. Ask how these are now built into play.
• Everyday diversity. Cultural and religious festivals featured in February 2025, but everyday teaching needed to broaden children's awareness of diversity in contemporary Britain. Ask what has changed beyond festival activities.
• Planning attendance. The February 2025 opening pattern was term-time weekdays. Before joining, discuss the current attendance arrangements and funded-hours terms against your family's schedule.

Upton Daycare suits families who value practical play, community experiences and opportunities for children to become more independent. Its February 2025 picture combined supportive relationships with hands-on learning. Mathematics and everyday diversity remain the two clear questions to take into a conversation about the nursery's development.