Happy Jays

Inspection of Happy Jays Link Walk, Scarborough YO11 3LR

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children receive attentive care from dedicated staff in this inclusive nursery. Staff know each child remarkably well, providing one-to-one support for those needing extra help or to those who are settling in. This helps build extremely secure attachments. Transitions into the nursery and from room to room are exceptionally well organised. Children feel loved and safe, enjoying stories and daily outdoor activities that promote learning and development. Experiences such as beach visits and forest school sessions enrich their understanding of the world.

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The provision is outstanding

All children make very strong progress. Activities planned are interesting and purposeful. For example, staff help children to learn about sustainability. Staff teach children about the importance of using recycled materials in their play. They engage children and families in a project that helps to look after the environment.

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The provision is outstanding

Staff skilfully model mathematical language as children play. They engage children in regular baking activities, in which children learn about quantity and weight. Staff help children to understand language such as 'heavier' and 'lighter' as they weigh pine cones on scales. From a very young age, children are becoming familiar with numbers. For example, they enjoy listening to staff singing songs about 'Five Little Ducks'.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's physical health and development are highly prioritised. Staff use discussions about food, oral health and physical activity to instil healthy habits. Children's behaviour is exemplary, creating a harmonious setting where children become confident, independent learners. Staff set excellent examples, teaching emotional regulation and respect with outstanding manners.

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need to do better?

n Support for children's communication and language development is commendable. Staff consistently engage in purposeful, high-quality interactions with children. They ensure that every opportunity is used to extend language skills. For example, staff narrate activities and introduce new vocabulary, such as 'splash' and 'stomp' as young children excitedly explore in water play. They expertly use sign language. Staff skilfully describe what is happening during activities, providing a running commentary that helps children link words to actions and experiences. n Staff inspire parents to ignite children's love of books through a lending library. Children have access to a wide variety of books, which are placed at individual activities throughout the nursery. This expertly teaches children that books can be read for pleasure and for information. n Partnerships with parents are excellent. Managers collaborate closely with

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need to do better?

29 September 2025 families to help children reach their full potential. Parents commend the care their children receive and the progress they make, particularly in communication and emotional development. They describe staff as 'fantastic' and 'going above and beyond' to support their children's success. n Children's independence develops excellently through established routines. Staff know each child exceptionally well and encourage children to take responsibility. For example, children practise putting on wetsuits and boots for outdoor play. During meals, older children learn to serve themselves and help to clear away. These experiences significantly help children acquire practical life skills. n Staff show great respect towards children and value their opinions and thoughts. Strong modelling from staff, along with constant encouragement, help children take a lead in their learning. For example, younger children select items to sing

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need to do better?

songs about, such as a 'bus'. Older children choose to create pictures by sprinkling powder paints and water onto paper. n Staff have high ambitions for all children. Children who speak English as an additional language benefit from tailored support programmes and make excellent progress. Staff value diversity and recognise each child's uniqueness. They help children to learn about differences in families. Staff gather information from parents when children first start, such as key words in their home language. They plan meaningful activities and events to learn about different cultures, such as the Hindu festival 'Holi'. n Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is outstanding. Staff ensure that activities are inclusive for everyone. Calming spaces and sensory activities enable children to self-regulate their own feelings and behaviours well. Staff share strategies and resources with parents so that

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need to do better?

the children can make the best possible progress. n The leadership team promotes excellence through a well-designed curriculum. Staff's morale and commitment to their roles are high, as staff know their value as part of the team. Children benefit from consistently strong teaching by motivated and skilled staff. n Leaders demonstrate a tenacious passion for delivering exceptional care and education to children. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in the outstanding progress that children make. Funding is used to help to substantially improve children's progress in their learning and development and to narrow gaps in achievement. For example, staff attend training sessions to help them to tailor their skills to children's needs.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549334 Local authority North Yorkshire Inspection number 10399853 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 17 Name of registered person First For Childcare 3 Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01723583454 Date of previous inspection 17 December 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Happy Jays re-registered in 2017 due to new ownership. The nursery is located in the Eastfield area of Scarborough. It employs four members of staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. One of the nursery managers holds early years professional status. The nursery opens during term time from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. It provides government-funded childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector held discussions with the nursery managers about the design of the curriculum and how it is being implemented. n The inspector observed staff practice and their engagement with children throughout the inspection. n The inspector spoke with staff and children during the inspection. She completed a joint observation with one of the nursery managers. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection and took account of their verbal and written views. n The inspector held a meeting with the nursery managers and provider. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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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.

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Inspection activities

29 September 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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