Daisychain Day Nursery

Books from the library bus, woodland walks and wooden climbing frames give Daisychain Day Nursery a recognisable character in its November 2024 inspection picture. This Whitley setting has capacity for 70 children and accepts ages from three months to five years.

At its 25 November 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall and found safeguarding effective. The practical learning examples are appealing, but two improvements matter for younger children: reducing distractions during small-group activities and making support for babies' communication more consistent.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the November 2024 examples included physical play, exploring books and practising everyday independence. Babies had tummy time to prepare for sitting, while younger children worked dough with their hands, building strength for writing later. Older children climbed wooden frames outdoors.

In November 2024, the library bus brought opportunities to choose books and share stories. Babies explored pages and pictures; older children noticed letters on objects, including a xylophone. Activities with tubes of different sizes introduced comparisons through handling objects rather than explanation alone.

Community experiences also featured in November 2024. Children visited farms and a garden centre and went walking in woodland. A charity walk involved parents alongside children, giving families a shared activity with a purpose beyond the nursery.

At the November 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that leaders identified additional needs early, worked with professionals on support plans and shared learning information with other settings, with children making strong progress from their starting points.

In November 2024, quiet spaces and calm baskets helped children attend to their emotions when overwhelmed. Family photographs made babies' surroundings more familiar. Consistent routines and boundaries supported behaviour, while practical encouragement helped children tackle tasks such as putting on coats and feeding themselves.

Food also became a learning activity that November: children served their own healthy snacks, and older children helped the nursery cook prepare tea. Independent toileting and nose wiping formed part of everyday hygiene practice.

Parent communication extended beyond conversation in November 2024. Families could visit to share achievements, and activity bags went home regularly, connecting nursery learning with time together at home. Staff training and attention to staff wellbeing supported the adults delivering that care.

The address is 160 Top Lane, Whitley, Melksham, SN12 8RB. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year except bank holidays. That year-round timetable gives families a clear operating window.

In November 2024, session times ran from 8am to 6pm and the nursery offered government-funded places.

• Small-group distractions. In November 2024, surrounding activity sometimes interrupted younger children's concentration. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how these groups are organised now.
• Babies' communication. Support for babies' interaction and language was inconsistent in November 2024. Ask how practitioners now build communication into everyday care.
• Attendance and costs. The nursery opens throughout the year except bank holidays. Which booking pattern would fit your week, and what does the current written quotation include for funded hours, meals and consumables?

Daisychain suits families seeking care for babies through to preschool age within a year-round weekday opening window. Its November 2024 picture combines practical independence, books and community outings with useful parent involvement. Families choosing for a baby or younger child should give particular weight to the two improvement points, alongside the Good judgement.