Behaviour is a 'significant strength' at this Leeds Council nursery saved from closure - Ofsted report
Children make secure progress in this “warm and stimulating” setting
Ofsted inspectors have said children's behaviour is a “significant strength” at a Leeds City Council nursery, previously placed at risk of closure.
Little Owls Nursery Hunslet St Mary's, located on Church Street, Hunslet, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in the categories of behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, inclusion, and leadership and governance during a February 2026 inspection.
Previously rated as Good under the old grading system during a 2020 inspection, the nursery scored an ‘Expected standard’ rating in the categories of achievement, children's welfare and wellbeing, and curriculum and teaching.
In 2024, Hunslet St Mary’s was placed at risk of closure after Leeds City Council announced a review of their Little Owls services - the council later decided to retain the service.
“Children's behaviour and attitudes are a significant strength of the setting,” inspectors sad. “Joint development of the setting's rules leads to a highly effective and consistent implementation. This results in a calm and nurturing environment, where all children are actively engaged in learning.
“Leaders ensure that all children are welcomed, including those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. All practitioners are very knowledgeable about supporting children, who have challenges to learning.”
Staff at Little Owls Hunslet St Mary’s include all practitioners and external agencies to complete detailed analysis of the setting's strengths and areas of improvement to inform the setting's planning, according to the report.
They have created a thoughtfully designed educational environment. The warm and friendly atmosphere nurtures children's personal, social and emotional development and complements their ambitious and inclusive curriculum.
Children make secure progress in this “warm and stimulating” setting. They build on their confidence in the well-resourced outdoor area and are supported through quality interactions provided by practitioners.
They thrive in this warm, nurturing and safe environment, where secure attachments and positive relationships underpin practice. This allows those with special educational needs and/or disabilities to receive the individual support they need.
Focusing on areas of further improvement, the education watchdog added: “Leaders should enhance the setting's curriculum to ensure that there are clear intentions for what they want children to learn to prepare them for future challenges and transition to school.
“They should provide opportunities for children to learn and practise self-care skills that will have a positive impact on their future health.”
Children receive a warm welcome at this highly inclusive setting, according to the report. They benefit from the very friendly and helpful attitude of practitioners.
Parents and carers are provided with support to promote children's good health and state that they feel empowered to make positive choices. They receive clear instruction on how to prepare a healthy lunch box, for instance.
The leaders' “dedication to continuous development” results in a culture of high-expectation and professionalism that is embedded across the setting.