The Ark Nursery and Space Out of School Club is located in Hebden Bridge, Calderdale, and provides care for children from birth to eleven years old. It is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 6.30pm all year, closing for bank holidays, two training days and the week between Christmas and New Year. During term time, the out-of-school club operates from 7am to 8.45am and from 3pm to 6.30pm. At its inspection in April 2026, Ofsted judged the provision to be Outstanding.
The inspector found that children thrive and make excellent progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Communication and language development is a high priority. Children are encouraged to be independent and have access to an outdoor environment that includes a 'woodland explorers' area. Pre-school children take part in regular forest school activities, where they learn to use tools safely, build dens and cook on a campfire. The nursery's special educational needs coordinator works with families and external agencies to provide targeted support.
Our ethos
The Ark Nursery and Space Out of School Club focuses on outdoor exploration and learning, fostering a deep appreciation for nature through activities like "woodland explorers." They prioritise physical development, communication, language, and independence skills, while also supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. The nursery values a strong partnership with parents, involving them in nursery activities and maintaining consistent communication.
What it's like
Children thrive in the care of the highly qualified and dedicated staff team. They are excited to learn and feel safe and secure due to staff knowing them exceptionally well and displaying family pictures. Children are motivated to explore the outdoor environment, learning about nature and developing an appreciation for the natural world around them.
Funding accepted
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Request pricing →Opening hours
Monday to Friday, from 7am until 6.30pm, all year round (except bank holidays, two training days and the week between Christmas and New Year). Out-of-school provision: term time 7am to 8.45am and 3pm to 6.30pm; school holidays 7am to 6.30pm.
Staff
47 members of staff, 33 childcare staff, 24 with early years qualifications at level 2 and above, including one early years teacher and five with level 6 qualifications.
Age range
0 to 11
Term time / All Year
All Year
Registered with Ofsted
2002
Last inspected Apr 2026
Grade summary
Each dot represents one of the six inspection categories. Headline is the average of the six grades, rounded up.
Category grades
Last inspected 23 April 2026
What it's like to attend
Children thrive in the care of the highly qualified and dedicated staff team. They are excited to learn and feel safe and secure due to staff knowing them exceptionally well and displaying family pictures. Children are motivated to explore the outdoor environment, learning about nature and developing an appreciation for the natural world around them.
Inspector highlights
Inclusion & environment
Children are making excellent progress in their learning and development, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The nursery's special educational needs coordinator is very knowledgeable in her role. She works closely with each child's key person, family and agencies to ensure they receive timely interventions and targeted support to meet their development needs. Additional funding is used to enhance children's learning experiences, to ensure any possible gaps in learning are quickly closed.
Children are motivated to explore the outdoor environment and learn about the world around them. Younger children learn the skills needed to keep safe in the 'woodland explorers' area and learn about hibernation. Pre-school children take part in regular activities, including those linked to forest school, where they learn to use tools safely, make and cook on a campfire and make dens, which helps them develop an appreciation for the natural world.
I cannot tell you how wonderful this place is. They are absolutely amazing and I am so glad that my son had been going here since he was 1. The confidence and growth is wonderful to see and the staff are wonderful. My son actually sometimes cries on the days he doesn't go as he misses it! The food is really great and freshly made on site. The facilities and space are perfect and the extra little things you can sign up for make it even better still. For instance my son learns french once a week and there is a 'forest school' from 3yr old onwards where they learn how to do things in the little woodland on the Property. I love this place!
Read on Google
Amazing Nursery, looks so beautiful and always go above and bond for each child
Read on Google
Reviews from Google for The Ark Nursery and Space Out of School Club. See all on Google Maps
Date: February 2018
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Ark Nursery and Space Out of School Club.
Hebden Bridge · HX7 5AF
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Halifax · HX2 6NW
Sowerby Bridge · HX6 1HB
Sowerby Bridge · HX6 3NR
Sowerby Bridge · HX6 3NJ
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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
