Opening hours
Morning session: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Afternoon session: 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Clowns Day Nursery
Ofsted: Good
(Nov 2021)
Number of places
124 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2021
Local authority
Derbyshire
About this day nursery
Clowns Day Nursery, established in 1990, offers quality care and education in Ripley, Derbyshire, with over 30 years of experience. The nursery focuses on child-led play, providing a stimulating and safe environment where children can thrive and explore.
Their innovative curriculum aims to provide a wide range of learning opportunities, fostering enjoyment and achievement. The nursery views children as curious, intelligent individuals with inherent potential for growth when supported by strong relationships and surroundings.
Clowns Day Nursery is dedicated to nurturing each child to their fullest potential through a motivated and highly trained team that continuously updates their knowledge in child development. They emphasise high-quality interactions as fundamental to early years teaching, with staff trained to expand children's thinking and language skills.
The nursery also practices continuous provision, encouraging children to initiate their own learning and develop at their own pace, supported by accessible resources and purposeful adult interaction. Furthermore, Clowns Day Nursery is committed to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices into daily routines and teaching children to care for the planet through hands-on experiences and responsible choices.
They value strong parent partnerships, fostering a two-way dialogue through regular communication, family days, and parent/grandparent stay-and-play sessions to enhance the child's learning journey and integrate families into nursery life.
Our ethos
Clowns Day Nursery is committed to a child-led, play-based approach, viewing children as curious individuals with inherent potential. They emphasise high-quality interactions, continuous provision, and nurturing children's growth through a motivated, well-trained team. The nursery also integrates sustainability and values strong parent partnerships for a holistic approach to early years education.
What it's like
Children settle quickly and build positive relationships with the nursery staff. They are interested in the activities staff provide for them, and staff know the children well. Children enjoy forest school and talk confidently about what they have been doing in the woodland.
Child-led PlayExperienced Staff (5-20 years)Focus on SustainabilityStrong Parent PartnershipsForest School
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£0.50 / session
Key facts
Age range
9 months to 4 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Session types
morning session, afternoon session
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Clowns Day Nursery
Last inspected 16 November 2021
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 settle quickly and build positive relationships with the nursery staff. They are interested in the activities staff provide for them, and staff know the children well. Children enjoy forest school and talk confidently about what they have been doing in the woodland.
Inspector highlights
- The nursery provides a well-sequenced curriculum that is supported by staff's understanding of the children's interests.
- There is a range of resources, both inside and outside, to engage children and promote learning.
- Staff provide opportunities for children to develop their spoken language.
- Communication between staff and parents is strong and has remained so during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well.
Areas to develop
- 1support staff to plan and deliver activities effectively so that children benefit from intended learning.
Inspection #10062447 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff learn new skills, such as Makaton sign language, and work with external professionals to ensure that the needs of the children are met.
Outdoor space
Children enjoy the outside area where they can explore the woodland area, climb fallen down trees, smell the herbs in the sensory garden and pick fruit and vegetables to be used in the kitchen. Staff use the outdoor area effectively to promote movement and control of the body through the use of bikes, digging and scooping in oats and jumping through hoops.
Parent Reviews of Clowns Day Nursery
4.6
(10)
Kerita Christina
2 years ago
The facility is well kept and the rooms are efficient and engaging for children I can't fault that. The downside is the lack of communication, emails ignored when trying to enquire about reserving a space contacted them early January was told what availability there was for when I required childcare , I even visited to have tour, but when I tried to reserve a space with the dates I was given my email ignored, eventually when contact was made on the back of me chasing them up in January, February and even March the availability decreased from 3 days down to 2 days to a waiting list for 2025, when questioned about the lack of clarity it was merely excused due to awaiting new fees, but still didn't respond about securing the placement in advance. Not helpful communication at all especially when you're trying to get your child into nursery in advance of going to work. If you do contact them be prepared to be ignored or overlooked not professional at all. Time wasters
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Garry Smith
9 years ago
Because it brilliant and gives you children and great start in life unlike schools!
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Mayu Amakura
8 years ago
A nice big clean purpose built nursery. Friendly staff and good provision
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The Bluffing
5 years ago
My daughter love it really nice staff.
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Amanda Baker
6 years ago
Fantastic child care x
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Clowns Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: November 2011
- November 2021Good
- August 2015Good
- November 2011Good
Frequently asked about Clowns Day Nursery
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Clowns Childrens Centre
Derbyshire · NG16 5NN
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