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Sandpit Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2025)
·1st Safari Day Nurseries Ltd, Pitt Street, Barnsley, S70 1AL · Barnsley
Number of places
112 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2025
Local authority
Barnsley

About this day nursery

Sandpit Nursery, part of the 1st Safari Day Nurseries group, is located in Barnsley and offers a stimulating environment where children from 3 months to 5+ years are encouraged to learn and grow through play and exploration. The nursery prioritises outdoor learning and nature-based education, with dedicated facilities for babies, toddlers, and pre-school children that include sensory experiences, active play, and environmental investigations.

Early starts are available upon request, accommodating children younger than three months on a case-by-case basis. The highly trained staff are committed to providing quality childcare and fostering a love for learning through real-world experiences.

The nursery also provides an Out of School Club for children up to 12 years old by arrangement. Sandpit Nursery is proud of its 'Good' Ofsted rating and aims to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive, learn about sustainability, and develop care for the planet.

Our ethos

Our approach is built on some simple but powerful beliefs: all children learn through play, and learning should always be fun! We don't get hung up on perfect end results - it's the having a go and trying that really matters. Children learn best by doing, through real experiences, and by having fantastic role models around them.

What it's like

Children enjoy their time at this welcoming nursery. Staff provide a well thought out and sequenced curriculum that links to children's interests. There is a strong emphasis on sensory exploration and the development of children's strength and coordination skills.

Outdoor LearningNature-based EducationPlay-based LearningOfsted Good

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
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

8am - 6pm, Monday - Friday (early starts available)

Food

Meals and activities are always included in funded sessions.

Age range

3 months to 5+ years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Sandpit Nursery

Last inspected 23 July 2025 · Jane Tucker

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children enjoy their time at this welcoming nursery. Staff provide a well thought out and sequenced curriculum that links to children's interests. There is a strong emphasis on sensory exploration and the development of children's strength and coordination skills.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders and staff have worked hard and collaboratively with the local authority to raise practice for children.
  • Staff place a good focus on children's literacy development.
  • Staff place a good focus on building children's early communication skills from the start.
  • Staff and leaders use assessment well to check what children know and can do.
  • Toddlers and pre-school children develop very good independence and self-care skills.

Areas to develop

  • 1n support staff to consistently build on children's existing knowledge and skills during their self-chosen play
  • 2n consider the curriculum for mathematics to extend and challenge children's learning even further.
Inspection #10374981 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

There are good procedures in place to support children with additional learning needs. Funding is used well.

Outdoor space

Outside, pre-school children show their physical skills as they step on tyres and walk across wooden planks, sometimes aided and unaided.

Inspection history
Improved from Requires improvement → Good in 2025

Date: December 2018

  • July 2025Good
  • October 2024Requires improvement
  • May 2024Inadequate
  • December 2018Good

Frequently asked about Sandpit Nursery

About the setting

Sandpit Nursery registered in 2016 and is located in Barnsley. The nursery employs nine members of childcare staff, with one holding qualified teacher status and seven holding appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The nursery opens Monday to Friday all year round, except for a week at Christmas and bank holidays, from 7.30am until 6pm. The nursery offers funded childcare places.

URN
EY501682
Registered person
1st Safari Day Nurseries Limited
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises

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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