Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 8am until 6pm
The Rocking Horse Childcare Centre in Ilkeston
Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2024)
Number of places
36 places
Age range
—
Last inspected
Oct 2024
Local authority
Derbyshire
About this day nursery
The Rocking Horse Nursery, located in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, is a well-established childcare setting that first registered in 1990. It operates as a childcare on non-domestic premises, offering full day care for children aged 0 to 4.
With a capacity for 36 children and currently having 40 on roll, the nursery provides a happy and relaxed atmosphere where children confidently settle into their day and engage with familiar staff. The dedicated team of eight childcare staff, six of whom hold a Level 3 early years qualification, ensure a supportive environment.
The nursery has shown significant improvements since its last inspection, with senior leaders effectively supporting staff and consistently planning stimulating activities based on children's interests. Parents trust the senior leaders and appreciate the thorough verbal and written handovers they receive daily.
What it's like
Children are keen to start their day at nursery. They rush through the door and confidently wave goodbye to their parents. The happy, relaxed atmosphere helps children to settle quickly. Children snuggle with the familiar staff for reassurance if they need to. They show that they feel safe and secure in the staff's care. Children show high levels of engagement. Staff ignite younger children's imaginations and curiosity.
Good overall effectivenessEmphasis on communicationStrong parent partnershipChild-led activitiesEffective safeguardingSupportive leadership
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds
Key facts
Term time / All Year
All_year
Established
1990
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for The Rocking Horse Childcare Centre
Last inspected 31 October 2024
Overall effectiveness
Good
What it's like to attend
Children are keen to start their day at nursery. They rush through the door and confidently wave goodbye to their parents. The happy, relaxed atmosphere helps children to settle quickly. Children snuggle with the familiar staff for reassurance if they need to. They show that they feel safe and secure in the staff's care. Children show high levels of engagement. Staff ignite younger children's imaginations and curiosity.
Inspector highlights
- Children are eager to start their day, settling in quickly due to the happy and relaxed atmosphere.
- Staff ignite imagination and curiosity, using natural resources to create engaging activities like a 'dinosaur swamp'.
- Children demonstrate good behaviour, kindness, and consideration, with gentle reminders of nursery 'promises'.
- The nursery provides good levels of support and reassurance to children, positively impacting their confidence and well-being.
- Parents are happy with the communication received from the nursery and trust the senior leaders.
- Staff communicate clearly and carefully, focusing on developing children's communication skills.
- The new leadership team has a clear understanding of the nursery's strengths and areas for development.
- Children are involved in decision-making, such as voting for activities in the 'nursery council', fostering a sense of belonging.
- The arrangements for safeguarding children are effective, with an open and positive culture.
- Staff receive ongoing professional development, including mandatory safeguarding and paediatric first aid training.
Areas to develop
- 1Give children more time to think and respond to questions to encourage them to think of solutions and share their own thoughts and ideas.
- 2Continue to monitor and focus on strengthening staff practice to raise the quality of teaching practice to even higher levels.
Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Parent Reviews of The Rocking Horse Childcare Centre
3.4
(5)
Chris Vincent
8 years ago
Can't recommend the staff enough here. My little girl (16 months) loves going. She literally smiles and giggle when my car pulls up to drop her off. When you pick her up you can see she's happy and had a productive time, we can see she is learning different things than what she learns from us. Daily reports are good, staff are keen to accommodate our needs, facilities are clean. We are moving house shortly but I intend to drive a lot further than I could do to ensure she stays at this nursery.
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Debbie Newton
8 years ago
i loved it when my son went there(brayden)
Read on Google
Agnes Fedyk-Regula
7 years ago
not good
Read on Google
Tracey Moore
10 years ago
Danielle Bryant
10 years ago
Reviews from Google for The Rocking Horse Childcare Centre. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: February 2014
- October 2024Good
- December 2023Good
- August 2018Good
- April 2018Inadequate
- August 2014Good
- February 2014Inadequate
Frequently asked about The Rocking Horse Childcare Centre
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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