White Stork Nursery at The Tannery

Inspection of White Stork Nursery at The Tannery Unit 2, The Tannery Business Park, Bradford Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX3 7HR

p.1

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children make remarkable progress during their time in the nursery. The carefully thought-out learning environment reflects a precisely designed and sequenced curriculum. This means children have autonomy in their play and learning. They follow their interests and consistently build on what they already know and can do. Many children exceed the expectations for their age, particularly in communication and language. Throughout their play and learning, children are encouraged to use new vocabulary. Children confidently tell visitors that they love pouring water, that they are going to preschool soon, and the Gruffalo has 'purple prickles all over his back'. All children are highly motivated and excited to join in with activities. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) enjoy a wealth of tailored learning that helps them make the best possible progress.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children's transition into the nursery starts with a visit to their home from their key person and buddy. This is a comfortable introduction to the staff who will be caring for them and helps parents share detailed information about children's home routines, interests and abilities. As a result, children settle quickly into busy nursery life. They soon form strong relationships with other staff and their peers. Children learn to be highly respectful of other people because they are guided by excellent role models. They behave very well. They gain exceptional social skills through cooperative play, listening to others, sharing ideas, and knowing what is expected of them.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders are highly ambitious in their drive to provide superb care and learning, not only in their nursery but across the early years sector. They connect with their community and other providers to share training and outstanding practice. Leaders' passion is reflected in the exceptional staff team, who are excited about the next steps for their professional development. Leaders systematically observe and analyse their practice, and actively encourage staff, children and parents to identify areas for change. n Staff promote children's love of reading and books highly successfully. They carefully select stories that support children's communication through repetition and descriptive language. Children are highly engaged as they pay attention and listen, participating in the story when staff pause to explore what children can remember. Stories, such as the Gruffalo, are brought to life during trips to the

p.2

need to do better?

woods. Children collect sticks that look like the Gruffalo's claws. They think about animal habitats. For instance, they know fish have gills to live under water, and foxes live in dens underground. Leaders extend children's love of books by hiding books in the community for children to find and read at home. n Staff use their training well to provide children with innovative activities that

p.2

need to do better?

29 July 2025 support them to develop a wide range of skills. For example, they promote children's understanding of their community and what makes them unique. Children talk about who lives in their home, the people who are special to them, and the roles their parents have. During the activity, children depict their discussions in drawings of their families, using bright coloured crayons on polished blocks of wood. Staff introduce mathematical concepts when they encourage children to think about who is tallest or smallest. n Children build their physical skills highly successfully during outdoor play. Leaders provide an exceptionally well-equipped outdoor area. Children develop balance, coordination and strength as they navigate wobbly obstacle courses. A stile provides them with a different challenge and a different way of moving. All children are busy, as they move and combine resources around the garden. They

p.2

need to do better?

explore quantity and measure during their water play. Children grow vegetables in see-through troughs so they can monitor growth and change. Vegetables are used in a huge variety of delicious home-cooked meals prepared by the nursery chefs. n Partnerships with parents and carers are outstanding. Leaders ensure they are fully involved in nursery life, promoting a shared approach that helps children to excel. Parents and carers receive a wealth of information to support children's learning at home and keep them safe. Parents say staff are naturally incredible at what they do. They describe leaders as knowledgeable, skilled and passionate, providing a truly enriching experience for children through days that are purposeful and filled with care.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2752220 Local authority Calderdale Inspection number 10406686 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 75 Number of children on roll 92 Name of registered person White Stork Nurseries Holdings Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01422 485644 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

White Stork Nursery at The Tannery registered in 2023. It is located in The Tannery business centre in Northowram, Halifax. The nursery employs 20 members of childcare staff. Of these, 12 hold relevant qualifications at level 2 and above, including the manager who holds early years professional status. The nursery is open from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, excluding two weeks at Christmas. The nursery provides funded early education for children aged from 9 months.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together. They discussed how the provider organised different aspects of learning. n The inspector spoke to children about activities they enjoy when they attend the setting. n The inspector considered parents' feedback and discussed working with different families with the manager. n The inspector observed the quality of education. She talked to the manager about how they evaluate the provision and their ongoing professional development. n The inspector carried out a joint evaluation of an activity with the manager. She talked to staff about their professional development and the arrangements in place to support their wellbeing.

p.5

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

p.5

Inspection activities

29 July 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6