Clip Clop Day Nursery

Stories, signing and close relationships shaped Clip Clop Day Nursery’s December 2024 inspection picture. Based at Clifton House in Newmarket, it combined an emphasis on communication with practical support for children’s everyday routines at that time.

At its December 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities helped them make good progress. Two improvements remained: helping children express more varied emotions and making the youngest children’s surroundings better suited to their development.

The current age range is 0 to 60 months. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

The early years foundation stage brings learning, development and care together: here, the December 2024 activities connected language, movement and relationships through play. Makaton sign language supported communication, while a book of the week supplied ideas for activities. Reading aloud with expressive voices helped sustain children’s interest.

In December 2024, outdoor play was part of each day. Older children worked together with a parachute, trying to guide coloured balls through its holes. Younger children attended song and rhyme sessions at the library, extending their opportunities to hear and use language.

Choice worked better for older children than for the youngest. In December 2024, older children could select resources independently, but toys scattered across the floor and furniture arrangements reduced clear space for children developing their walking skills. That matters most for families with babies and toddlers.

In December 2024, staff used knowledge of children’s home routines to help them settle. Comfort could be physical and gentle, including soothing tired children with a back rub. A bell signalled an approaching change of activity, giving children time to finish playing rather than stopping abruptly.

Information moved between staff and parents to support learning at home. For children with additional needs, staff worked with families and outside professionals to understand individual requirements.

Emotional language needed more depth. In December 2024, a greeting song included questions about feeling happy or sad, but staff missed opportunities to explore other feelings. Clear behavioural expectations were in place; helping children explain their emotions was the next step.

The address is Clifton House, 41 Old Station Road, Newmarket, CB8 8QE. The nursery opens throughout the year, closing for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In December 2024, session times ran from 7.30am to 6pm, and provision included breakfast and after-school care for children aged seven and under. Funded early years places were also provided at that time.

• Space for the youngest children. The December 2024 layout restricted movement for children learning to walk. On a visit, look at how furniture and resources now support babies and toddlers.
• Talking about feelings. December 2024 practice concentrated on happy and sad. Ask how staff help children recognise and express other emotions.
• Your attendance pattern. Opening hours span 7.30am to 6pm. Which booking arrangement would fit your family’s week?

The December 2024 inspection picture points to Clip Clop suiting parents who value communication through stories, signing and shared play, alongside care shaped around familiar routines. The December 2024 picture also gives families two concrete priorities to explore: the youngest children’s space and the language used to discuss feelings. Those details deserve attention alongside the Good judgement.