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Co-operative Play and Learn

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2023)
·
5.0(17 parent reviews) ·Co-op Sports and Social Grounds Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4DE · Leicestershire
Number of places
25 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2023
Local authority
Leicestershire

About this day nursery

Co-operative Play & Learn in Leicester is a well-established preschool dedicated to fostering confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning in children aged 2 to 5 years. Celebrating over a decade in business, this Ofsted-rated 'Good' provider focuses on creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment for its young learners.

The nursery prides itself on its engaged staff and excellent facilities, offering both indoor and outdoor play opportunities that are integral to the daily routine. They operate during term-time only, with consistent opening hours that will shift slightly from September 2026 to better accommodate families.

Co-operative Play & Learn values strong partnerships with parents, offering an open-door policy and inviting families to be actively involved in their children's educational journey. The preschool is always keen to welcome new families and encourages them to visit and experience the nurturing atmosphere firsthand.

What it's like

Children enter the pre-school eager to engage with the exciting activities on offer, choosing what they want to do and quickly becoming immersed in play. They have extremely strong bonds with the caring and attentive staff, who praise them constantly to help them develop confidence. Staff have high expectations of all children, and children learn to share and use good manners from their good role models.

Ofsted-rated GoodTerm-time onlyAges 2 to 5 yearsFocus on play-based learning

Pricing & funding

This term-time-only nursery charges a flat hourly rate for hours attended, billed monthly in arrears. Sessions are offered as full days or half-day mornings and afternoons. Funded hours can be extended with additional paid hours at the standard hourly rate, and snacks are provided free of charge.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
  • Hourly rate£6.88 / hour
  • Full Day (6 Hours)£41.28 / session
  • Morning (3 Hours)£20.64 / session
  • Afternoon (3 Hours)£20.64 / session
  • Yoga (optional)£2.50 / session

Good to know

  • No upfront fees are charged.
  • No fees are charged for child illness.
  • The nursery operates during term time only.
  • Fees are billed at the end of the month for total hours attended.
  • Optional yoga sessions are available, while snacks and drinks are provided free of charge.

Key facts

Opening hours

Term times only, Monday to Friday from 8:30am until 4:30pm (Fridays 9am - 4pm). From 1st September 2026, opening times will be 08:30am until 4:30pm.

Age range

2 to 5 Years

Term time / All Year

Mixed

Established

2013

Waitlist

Spaces available

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Co-operative Play and Learn

Last inspected 8 June 2023 · Leonie Miller

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 enter the pre-school eager to engage with the exciting activities on offer, choosing what they want to do and quickly becoming immersed in play. They have extremely strong bonds with the caring and attentive staff, who praise them constantly to help them develop confidence. Staff have high expectations of all children, and children learn to share and use good manners from their good role models.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff are extremely skilful at extending children's learning during play through high-quality interactions.
  • Children learn skills to become independent, with staff embedding this into routine activities.
  • Staff have strong relationships with parents and support them to extend children's learning at home.
  • Children are developing an understanding of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle.
  • The manager strives to improve the setting, evaluates practice well, and puts in place effective action plans.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to develop their skills in delivering stories to a group to ensure that they are engaging for all children
  • 2give less-vocal children more opportunities to interact and have a turn during group times to build up their confidence.
Inspection #10279908 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment on how they have seen positive changes in their children.

They say their children's confidence and independence have increased.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff have high expectations of all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Outdoor space

Children use the well-planned outdoor space to learn about the wonder of nature and how to care for it, supported by staff to safely peer over a small pond and watch a beetle. They have plenty of opportunity to be physically active, running freely around the field and playing group games with excitement.

Parent Reviews of Co-operative Play and Learn

5.0
(17)
Alice Barwell
a year ago

My son attended here 7 years ago, and now my daughter is so excited to go too! The staff give care that is second to none, we've experienced other preschools and although we've been pleased with them, coop play and learn ultimately are the best- they always have the children's best interests at heart and actively help to nurture their development, both socially and educationally! Thank you for all you've done for us!

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Agnieszka Marriott
a year ago

I cannot express enough my appreciation for the Co-operative staff. Ladies in there they're so lovely, they know what they doing. The nursery has a special atmosphere to make everyone feels like at home it's so small and this is what we needed. I have got two daughters and older one 3y.o.previously didn't want to socialise with other kids with teachers...didn't talk...It was so hard for us. At the moment! She absolutely love it. She's talking, playing with other kids , looking after her sister . Different child.😁😍 youngest one is so needy😂 she is crying a lot but they settling her so quick no tears just a smile all day What can be better for mum , feeling that her child in a safe place , developing with people who keeps their supporting hand every single minute. The Co-operative Play and Learn is the best place for your little one!

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Michelle Burton
a year ago

Summer Club- We have used the summer club for the last two years, for all 3 of our girls. They all come home very happy and ready to tell us about all the fun things they have done, in particular crafts (which they love). They feel welcomed and safe at summer club. Thank you for all the summer fun ladies!

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Alpa Parmar
a year ago

Ayva has had the best time at summer club this summer. She enjoyed all the activities and crafts that they did. This is the 3rd year running we've have used Co -operative play and learn.

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Maria Luiza
a year ago

They are amazing . My son loves this nursery and they are all very experienced and kind to the children. I’m very happy with them and thankful I found this nursery after some bad experiences with other nurseries.

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Reviews from Google for Co-operative Play and Learn. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: May 2014

  • June 2023Good
  • August 2017Good
  • May 2014Good

Frequently asked about Co-operative Play and Learn

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