Opening hours
Monday to Friday all year round, except for bank holidays and a week at Christmas. Sessions are from 7.30am to 5.30pm.
Small Oaks
Ofsted: Good
(May 2022)
Number of places
18 places
Age range
1–5 yrs
Last inspected
May 2022
Local authority
Derbyshire
About this day nursery
Small Oaks, registered in 2019, provides all-year-round childcare for children aged 1 to 9 years. 30pm, closing only for bank holidays and a week at Christmas.
Since its initial Ofsted inspection on 26th May 2022, Small Oaks has maintained a "Good" overall effectiveness rating. Children are observed to be happy and excited on arrival, often starting their day with a welcome song before eagerly engaging in outdoor play.
The outdoor environment is a particular highlight, with older children confidently putting on all-in-one suits to explore, navigating climbing frames and delighting in splashing in puddles. This promotes physical development and a joyful approach to learning.
Inside, children display good behaviour and a positive attitude, engaging in imaginative role-play activities and expressing creativity through music and movement, such as learning about Africa through pretend safaris and dancing to African music. Staff at Small Oaks are committed to supporting children's language development, using running commentaries and repetition for younger children, and encouraging conversations and descriptions among older children.
The curriculum also fosters an appreciation for diversity, preparing children for life in modern Britain through engaging discussions and activities. Parents have shared positive feedback, noting that their children thoroughly enjoy external trips and that they are well-informed about their children's activities and progress through daily communication and online updates.
What it's like
Children are happy and excited to arrive at nursery, where they sing a welcome song and eagerly play outside, navigating climbing frames and splashing in puddles. They behave well and have a positive attitude towards learning, engaging in imaginative role-play activities and creative expression through music and movement.
Happy childrenEngaging outdoor playPositive attitudesStrong language supportFosters diversitySupportive staff
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)
Key facts
Term time / All Year
All Year
Established
2019
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Small Oaks
Last inspected 26 May 2022 · Jan Hughes
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 are happy and excited to arrive at nursery, where they sing a welcome song and eagerly play outside, navigating climbing frames and splashing in puddles. They behave well and have a positive attitude towards learning, engaging in imaginative role-play activities and creative expression through music and movement.
Inspector highlights
- Children are happy and arrive at the nursery full of excitement.
- Children behave well and have a positive attitude to their learning.
- The manager is reflective and supports her staff well.
- Staff support children's language skills well.
- Children learn to appreciate diversity and accept people who have other cultures and backgrounds.
Areas to develop
- 1strengthen the curriculum for maths to further support children to count and use number during their play
- 2review how the changes in the daily routine work so that children are engaged in learning during these times, paying particular attention to mealtimes and when children go outside.
Inspection #10208534 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents comment on these trips and say that their children thoroughly enjoy their days out of the nursery.
Parents comment that they know about what their children are doing.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
Outdoor space
Children are eager to play outside, and older children independently put on their all-in-one suits and venture outside. They scramble to the top of the climbing frame, where they negotiate the steps safely and balance along the beams. Children splash in puddles and scream with delight as the water hits their faces.
Parent Reviews of Small Oaks
5.0
(3)
Lucy Mae Stokes
10 months ago
Small oaks is an incredible nursery. We have always felt so welcomed. They always go above and beyond for all the children. They are so imaginative with the different activities they do each day. They take the children out to different places like soft play and the park and even have people come into nursery like Moo Music and MiniMe Mindfulness. They always ensure that every child’s needs are met. It is such a warm and welcoming atmosphere and we are so lucky we have found such an incredible place for our son.
Read on Google
Katie Watson Jones
4 years ago
Fantastic child care, with wonderful staff. They are caring and supportive, whilst providing a huge range of activities indoors, outdoors, around the village and beyond. My children particularly love the adventures in the Mini bus. Would highly recommend.
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Edward Matthews
11 months ago
A brilliant local nursery and we've had no problems whatsoever. Our daughter loves it and we've been very happy with the service.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Small Oaks. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: May 2022
- July 2022Good
- May 2022Good
Frequently asked about Small Oaks
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