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Ashby Castle Day Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Aug 2022)
·
4.3(6 parent reviews) ·28 North Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 1HS · Leicestershire
Number of places
74 places
Age range
0–3 yrs
Last inspected
Aug 2022
Local authority
Leicestershire

About this day nursery

Ashby Castle Day Nursery, located in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, has been providing exceptional childcare and early education since its establishment in 1994. The nursery is known for its "Outstanding" Ofsted rating, a testament to its commitment to quality.

Catering to children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, the nursery is divided into a day nursery for younger children (6 weeks to 3 years) and a pre-preparatory school for those in their last year before formal education. Emphasising a holistic approach, Ashby Castle focuses on fostering a love for learning, critical thinking, and social development.

The nursery boasts a dedicated team of about sixty professionals who ensure a high level of interaction and personalised care. Children benefit from age-specific rooms, many of which offer direct access to outdoor play areas.

A unique aspect of their offering is the Dumbles Forest School, a four-acre woodland estate where children engage in experiential learning and explore nature. The ethos, "Inspiring Brilliant Futures," guides their curriculum, aiming to equip children with confidence and essential skills for a seamless transition to school and beyond.

The nursery operates 50 weeks a year, with fees payable monthly in advance, and offers a discount for families with multiple children enrolled, provided they are not receiving government funding. They actively support parliamentary funding initiatives, including 15 and 30 hours of free childcare.

Our ethos

Ashby Castle Day Nursery's ethos, "Inspiring Brilliant Futures," is demonstrated through a holistic approach that fosters a love for learning, critical thinking, and social development. They provide experiential learning and nature exploration through their Dumbles Forest School, aiming to equip children with confidence and essential skills for their future.

What it's like

Children enjoy their time within this exciting and enticing environment, readily choosing from a variety of activities. They are keen to be active, with staff encouraging physical development and coordination skills from babies to toddlers. Children are also kind, learning to care for animals and developing into confident communicators.

Forest SchoolOutstanding Ofsted RatingPre-Preparatory School

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Key facts

Opening hours

7.30am until 6.00pm Monday to Friday

Age range

6 weeks to 5 years old

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Ashby Castle Day Nursery

Last inspected 5 August 2022

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children enjoy their time within this exciting and enticing environment, readily choosing from a variety of activities. They are keen to be active, with staff encouraging physical development and coordination skills from babies to toddlers. Children are also kind, learning to care for animals and developing into confident communicators.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are keen to be active, with staff encouraging physical development and coordination skills.
  • Children learn to care for a variety of animals, listening carefully to staff and being gentle.
  • The provider has responded positively to the last inspection, ensuring staff have a robust understanding of safeguarding.
  • Staff know their key children well and plan appropriate next steps, including for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
  • Children are supported in developing small-muscle skills for early writing and growing mathematical knowledge.

Areas to develop

  • 1The provider should support staff to gain a better understanding of how to help children strengthen their independence skills during mealtimes and self-care activities.
Inspection #10231493 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

"They say their children have good relationships with staff and are developing their communication skills."

"Parents say they feel their children are safe and secure at the nursery."

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff know their key children well and plan appropriate next steps based on children's interests and individual needs. This ensures children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress from their starting points. The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Outdoor space

Outside, children use felt tips to make marks on whiteboards and they colour in pictures using pencil crayons. Children are well supervised indoors and outdoors. The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

Parent Reviews of Ashby Castle Day Nursery

4.3
(6)
charlotte jaques
6 months ago

Our son is thriving at this nursery after only 3 weeks. It is a welcome relief to leave him with such skilled and caring staff who genuinely care about promoting his wellbeing and development.

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James Anderson
9 years ago

Going into our 7th year of using Ashby Castle, the management team are approachable and accommodating. The key workers and staff have a genuine care for all the children and the provisions for learning are the best I've ever seen. All equipment, books, toys are immaculate and we are extremely thankful that we discovered this nursery and pre prep.

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Katherine King
7 years ago

Fantastic nursery, knowledgable caring staff and excellent provision. My son particularly loved Forest School sessions whilst at Pre- prep.

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Sandra H
8 months ago

Incredible preschool, the best I’ve seen. Such competent and kind staff.

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Reviews from Google for Ashby Castle Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2022

Date: March 2008

  • August 2022Good
  • February 2022Inadequate
  • May 2013Outstanding
  • January 2012Outstanding
  • March 2008Outstanding

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more