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Happy Jays in Harrogate

Ofsted: Outstanding
(May 2025)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews) ·Grainbeck Lane, Harrogate, HG3 2AA · North Yorkshire
Number of places
60 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2025
Local authority
North Yorkshire

About this day nursery

First For Childcare is dedicated to delivering outstanding childcare services, fostering strong relationships with parents and professionals alike to create a supportive nursery environment. Their highly qualified team values parental input to cater to each child's unique requirements.

The focus is on providing an engaging atmosphere that promotes intuitive learning and development, from the baby room through to pre-school, preparing children for their transition to primary school. Staff members receive continuous training and support to ensure they offer the best possible care, strictly adhering to safety procedures.

Safeguarding training is renewed annually, exceeding government requirements, to underscore their commitment to care and safety. Children at First For Childcare are encouraged to be happy, learn through play, make friends, explore new concepts, and enjoy their time at the nursery.

The "MORE" approach, developed over a decade, emphasises Motivation for staff and children, Opportunities for learning and development, strong Relationships with families, and a constantly evolving Environment that offers new learning experiences.

Our ethos

The "MORE" approach, which emphasises Motivation, Opportunities, Relationships, and Environment, is central to their childcare philosophy. They focus on intuitive learning through play, encouraging children to be happy, make friends, and explore new concepts while fostering strong relationships with parents.

What it's like

Children form trusting relationships with the dedicated and enthusiastic staff, developing very positive attitudes towards learning. Staff provide genuine praise, giving children the confidence to keep trying. Leaders and managers have developed a clear curriculum focused on communication and language, and staff use additional funding effectively to support children, ensuring excellent progress.

High-quality childcareStrong parent partnershipsContinuous staff trainingPlay-based learningMORE Childcare approach

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

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

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Key facts

Opening hours

7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2017

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Happy Jays

Last inspected 19 May 2025

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

What it's like to attend

Children form trusting relationships with the dedicated and enthusiastic staff, developing very positive attitudes towards learning. Staff provide genuine praise, giving children the confidence to keep trying. Leaders and managers have developed a clear curriculum focused on communication and language, and staff use additional funding effectively to support children, ensuring excellent progress.

Inspector highlights

  • Children form trusting relationships with dedicated and enthusiastic staff.
  • Children develop very positive attitudes towards their learning and make excellent progress.
  • Staff provide children with genuine praise for having a go at tasks.
  • Leaders and managers have developed a clear curriculum focusing on communication and language.
  • Staff know children exceptionally well and plan activities encompassing their interests and next steps.
Inspection #10392891 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff regularly complete detailed assessments of children's development, helping them to recognise any additional needs quickly and provide support from highly skilled and knowledgeable special educational needs and disabilities coordinators (SENDCos). Staff care deeply about children and act as advocates to ensure additional support, including highly effective interventions and outside professionals, is put into place when required.

Outdoor space

Detailed discussions take place about the diggers outside.

Parent Reviews of Happy Jays

5.0
(2)
Rebecca Jack
9 months ago

My son has attended Happy Jays now for 18 months and I can honestly say the care provided is 5*. There is a real mix of staff, the young and fun and the mumsies, nothing is too much hassle for them and you get a family feel from the second you walk in. As a single, working Mum, knowing my child is safe, cared for, learning and having fun makes it all worth while and my life a lot easier. I would highly recommend this Nursery.

Read on Google
jim dorset
a month ago

Both of our children have attended Happy Jays and we were delighted with how well the staff took care of our little ones. All of the staff are so friendly and have gone beyond of what we expected of them. The nursery itself is homely, clean and comfortable. We would definitely recommend HJ's. Thanks to Nic and her team for doing an amazing job!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Happy Jays. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2025

Date: October 2019

  • May 2025Outstanding
  • October 2019Good

Frequently asked about Happy Jays

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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