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Playful Roots Nursery Swadlincote

Ofsted: Expected standard·115 Hearthcote Road, Swadlincote, DE11 9DU · Derbyshire
Number of places
57 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2026
Local authority
Derbyshire

About this day nursery

Playful Roots Nursery Swadlincote, located at 115 Hearthcote Road in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 9DU, is a childcare on non-domestic premises setting. Registered with Ofsted on 07/07/2025, the nursery provides care for children aged 0 to 4 years and has a total of 57 places.

The nursery is praised for its warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment, where children are curious learners and eagerly explore stimulating surroundings. Staff at Playful Roots Nursery Swadlincote ensure that care practices meet the personal needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and good health is consistently considered, with healthy snacks and water provided daily.

The nursery has a broad and well-organised curriculum, structured around 6 values that promote resilience, respect, and resourcefulness, fostering confidence, capability, and independence in the children. Parental feedback is consistently positive, with parents appreciating the regular photo updates and the effective strategies implemented by the nursery, which they observe positively impacting their children at home.

The outdoor area has recently been renovated, offering a safe space for children of all ages and abilities to engage in daily outdoor activities that support their overall development.

Our ethos

Playful Roots Nursery Swadlincote, while providing comprehensive care, emphasises a child-led play approach, reflected in their well-equipped environment and the use of outdoor spaces in all weather. They foster respect and celebrate diversity, and are noted for their dedication to supporting children with special educational needs with strong partnerships with outside agencies. They also offer optional Forest School sessions.

What it's like

Children are welcomed warmly at Playful Roots Nursery Swadlincote and arrive excitedly, leaving parents with ease. They are curious learners who explore the stimulating environment. Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, disadvantaged children, and those facing learning barriers, are well-supported. They build strong bonds with staff, feeling safe and secure, and receive cuddles and reassurance when upset.

Curious learnersWarm welcomeEffective strategiesSupports independenceChildren develop well

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured around term-time AM and PM sessions, with different rates for children under and over two years old. During non-funded weeks, a flat school day rate applies to all ages. Hourly and half-hourly wrap-around care is available, with separate charges for meals during funded hours.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Fees are applicable from 7th April 2025.
  • Term-time AM and PM sessions include meals.
  • Funded sessions do not include optional extras such as meals, snacks, consumables, and trips.

Key facts

Opening hours

7:30am–6pm

Age range

3 months to 12 years

Established

2025

Ofsted Inspection — new report card

Expected standard

Last inspected May 2026

Headline: Expected standard

Grade summary

Exceptional
Strong standard
Expected standard
Needs attention
Urgent improvement

Each dot represents one of the six inspection categories. Headline is the average of the six grades, rounded up.

Category grades

AchievementExpected standard
Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routinesExpected standard
Children's welfare and wellbeingExpected standard
Curriculum and teachingExpected standard
InclusionExpected standard
Leadership and governanceExpected standard
Age range
0 to 4
Registers
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Playful Roots Nursery Swadlincote

Last inspected 7 May 2026

What it's like to attend

Children are welcomed warmly at Playful Roots Nursery Swadlincote and arrive excitedly, leaving parents with ease. They are curious learners who explore the stimulating environment. Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, disadvantaged children, and those facing learning barriers, are well-supported. They build strong bonds with staff, feeling safe and secure, and receive cuddles and reassurance when upset.

Inspector highlights

  • Children develop the skills they need for later learning and benefit from a well-sequenced curriculum.
  • Children are curious, enthusiastic, and eager to take part in activities, developing independence and self-care skills.
  • Children build warm relationships with staff and other children, demonstrating positive attitudes to learning and following routines well.
  • Leaders ensure care practices meet the personal needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
  • Staff promote children's love of books, supporting early language skills and introducing early mathematical concepts.
  • Staff morale is high, and leaders prioritise staff wellbeing through ongoing supervision and support.
  • Parents and carers share positive feedback about the care and education their children receive.
  • The recent renovation of the outdoor area ensures children of all ages and abilities can play safely, with planned daily outdoor activities.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Leaders ensure that care practices meet the personal needs of children of all ages, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They identify and assess children's individual needs with care and precision through ongoing and targeted assessments. Support plans are shared with staff and reviewed to support early intervention. Staff recognise when children might experience barriers and have used funding to encourage engagement and emotional regulation.

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

7 May 2026

Expected standard

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

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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