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Clowns Childrens Centre

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2023)
·Cinder Bank, Ironville, Derbyshire, NG16 5NN · Derbyshire
Number of places
75 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2023
Local authority
Derbyshire

About this day nursery

Clowns Childrens Centre, established in 1990, has over three decades of experience providing childcare. Their philosophy centres on making play an integral part of learning within a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment.

The nursery is committed to delivering quality care and education, recognising each child as a unique individual with inherent curiosity and potential. They strive to foster independence and confidence through outstanding environments, carefully chosen resources, and a dedicated team.

Their approach prioritises high-quality staff-child interactions, continuous provision that encourages exploration and self-paced learning, and strong parent partnerships, including family days and grandparent sessions, to enhance a child's learning journey and connection to nursery life. The nursery also emphasises sustainability in its practices, teaching children about environmental care through hands-on nature experiences and eco-friendly routines.

Our ethos

Clowns Childrens Centre's philosophy centres on making play an integral part of learning within a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment. They foster independence and confidence through outstanding environments and continuous provision that encourages exploration and self-paced learning. Sustainability and environmental care are also emphasised through hands-on nature experiences.

What it's like

Staff warmly welcome children into the safe and stimulating setting. Children enter with confidence, quickly settle, and find their favourite activities. They build children's vocabulary effectively as they speak, allowing time for children to think about and process questions.

Play-based learningExperienced staffStrong parent partnershipsForest SchoolSustainability focused

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
  • Snack contribution per session£0.50 / session

Key facts

Opening hours

8am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday

Age range

9 months to 4 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Session types

morning session, afternoon session

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Clowns Childrens Centre

Last inspected 8 June 2023

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

Staff warmly welcome children into the safe and stimulating setting. Children enter with confidence, quickly settle, and find their favourite activities. They build children's vocabulary effectively as they speak, allowing time for children to think about and process questions.

Inspector highlights

  • The manager is passionate and has a clear vision of the nursery's strengths and where improvements could be made.
  • The manager recognises when children require additional support and works closely with outside agencies to ensure early intervention is sought.
  • Children enjoy nutritious, home-cooked meals and snacks, and staff support children's health, including oral care.
  • Parents are highly complimentary about the supportive and professional staff team.
  • The arrangements to support children as they transition to school are smooth.

Areas to develop

  • 1support children to explore and deepen their knowledge of mathematical concepts during their play
  • 2support children to understand how their behaviour affects others and help them to manage their own feelings and behaviour.
Inspection #10276196 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents are highly complimentary about the 'supportive and professional' staff team.

Parents comment that the manager supports families well and that the nursery feels like an 'extended family'.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The manager recognises when children require additional support. They work closely with outside agencies and swiftly ensure that early intervention is sought where needed. The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Outdoor space

Staff help children to explore the outdoor area. Children develop their large-muscle skills as they propel themselves forwards on trikes and clamber up tyres.

Inspection history

Date: March 2012

  • June 2023Good
  • July 2017Good
  • May 2015Good
  • March 2012Good

Frequently asked about Clowns Childrens Centre

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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