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Hocus Pocus Day Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2024)
·
4.6(5 parent reviews) ·110 Radcliffe Road, Bolton, BL2 1NY · Bolton
Number of places
90 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2024
Local authority
Bolton

About this day nursery

Hocus Pocus Day Nursery in Bolton, established by siblings Mia and Ian Kilburn, marked its 20th anniversary in 2023 and operates as a family-run establishment. The nursery prides itself on staff retention, with many team members having served for over a decade, supported by continuous training, which has led to numerous awards.

Hocus Pocus Day Nursery is dedicated to providing exceptional care, akin to a second home, by prioritising children's safety and well-being, and fostering strong partnerships with parents and carers. The nursery celebrates diversity, acknowledging various cultural events throughout the year.

They emphasise the role of parents as primary educators and have achieved a Level Three in the NDNA Quality Counts Accreditation Scheme. The nursery boasts a "Good" Ofsted rating for over 18 years and features a dedicated staff, including a passionate leader of over 15 years and a speech and language champion.

They employ qualified Early Years practitioners, all with enhanced DBS clearance and extensive combined experience, and a high percentage hold Level 2 Paediatric First Aid. Fresh, homemade meals are prepared on-site by qualified cooks, maintaining a 5-star food safety rating for eight consecutive years.

The nursery offers funded places for children aged 9 months to 5 years, provides a key person system for observation and development, and balances child and adult-led experiences. They promote active play, offer wellbeing support in partnership with Mini Minds Matter, and provide swimming lessons for children aged three and over, subject to participation.

What it's like

Staff form positive relationships with children, providing a nurturing environment where children feel confident and settle quickly. They offer a range of experiences that help children learn about the world and develop a positive attitude towards learning. Staff have clear expectations, promoting effective self-regulation and good behaviour among children.

Family-run nurseryLong-standing staffAward-winning5-star food hygieneGood Ofsted

Pricing & funding

This nursery charges flat rates for full, half, and short day sessions, with additional fees for extra hours and early drop-offs. Funded places are available for 38 weeks of the year, with care outside this period classed as wrap-around care. Meals are charged separately, but packed lunches are permitted.

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)

Good to know

  • Funding is offered for 38 weeks of the year, with other periods billed as wrap-around care.
  • Meals and consumables are charged, but parents may opt to send a packed lunch instead.
  • Early bird drop-offs at 7:30am must be booked at least seven days in advance.
  • Funded places are available for 15 hours over two days or 30 hours over four days (9:00am - 4:30pm).

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am to 6pm.

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2003

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Hocus Pocus Day Nursery

Last inspected 10 April 2024

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 form positive relationships with children, providing a nurturing environment where children feel confident and settle quickly. They offer a range of experiences that help children learn about the world and develop a positive attitude towards learning. Staff have clear expectations, promoting effective self-regulation and good behaviour among children.

Inspector highlights

  • The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) and her assistant are passionate about giving children the best start. Tailored programmes are developed to help children get the support they require.
  • The manager and staff create a positive culture of respect for others.
  • Staff implement an effective key-person system. They know the children well and use their knowledge of the children to help them progress in their development.
  • Parents speak highly of the warm and friendly staff and are provided with a variety of opportunities to attend the setting.
  • The manager carefully considers how to use additional funding, such as early years pupil premium, to help close any gaps in children's development.

Areas to develop

  • 1strengthen the curriculum for communication and language so that staff have a clear vision of how to implement the it effectively
  • 2strengthen professional development opportunities for staff, to help them focus more precisely on learning intentions.
Inspection #10331756 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents describe the nursery as a 'caring and warm environment'

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) and her assistant are passionate about giving children the best start. Tailored programmes are developed to help children get the support they require. The SENCo works closely with parents and other professionals to plan bespoke targets for children, enabling children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to make optimum progress from their starting points.

Outdoor space

Babies learn about different textures as they explore the contents of the outdoor mud kitchen. This experience contributes to children learning about the world around them.

Parent Reviews of Hocus Pocus Day Nursery

4.6
(5)
Louisa Ganda
2 years ago

I used to live around Radcliffe Road, for 2 years and moths my daughter has been going to this nursery ,six moths ago I move to breighmet I find it difficult to change her nursery because this is one of the best in Bolton 😇 highly recommend xxx

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Alio Koraou
8 years ago

Without a doubt the best nursery in town. My son loves spending time there and I am confident leaving him at the nursery for the day. The staff are extremely professional and caring. So so happy we found this nursery!

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Elizabeth Cyrus
11 years ago

My daughter loves going to the nursery xx

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Hocus Pocus Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: June 2011

  • April 2024Good
  • August 2018Good
  • April 2014Good
  • June 2011Good

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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