Leafield House: 'Clear progression' at Leeds nursery after back-to-back inadequate ratings - Ofsted report
A Leeds nursery, previously accused of putting children at “significant risk of harm,” has been re-rated by Ofsted inspectors after making “clear progression.”
Leafield House Nursery, located on King Lane, Moortown, has been re-rated as Good in all four inspected categories - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management following an inspection on September 11.
The nursery was shut down in an extreme measure enforced by Ofsted inspectors, following an inspection in February and March 2025, and rated Inadequate overall.
They were later re-rated inadequate after failing a follow-up inspection on June 11.
Ofsted inspectors said: “The provider and staff have worked hard to address previous weaknesses. They plan a clear and ambitious curriculum for all children. There is a clear progression of skills that enable children to be ready for the next stage in their learning.
“Staff know children well and form warm and positive relationships with them. Children feel safe and secure in their care. Staff provide an environment where children are calm and settled. Children show good levels of engagement in their play.”
Staff at Leafield House support children's physical development well, according to the report. They encourage young children to develop their core muscles and hold out their hands to help steady babies as they learn to stand unaided.
Leaders and managers support staff to “understand and implement the new curriculum,” while experienced staff provide effective support for less experienced staff. This helps all staff to develop and understand the skills they need to teach children.
Children develop good communication and language skills. Staff engage in back-and-forth conversations with all children. They “model the words they want children to learn.” Young children practise the language skills as they babble and interact with staff.
The education watchdog added: “To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should continue to embed the curriculum intent to ensure that it is consistently and effectively implemented in practice to the highest level n support all staff to develop their questioning skills so that they consistently allow Children time to think and respond.
“The provider should support all staff to develop their questioning skills so that they consistently allow children time to think and respond.”
Managers and staff at Leafield House have “good relationships with parents and carers,” the report noted. They share information between them effectively and this helps to promote a consistent approach to meet children's individual needs.
Leaders have also met their statutory duty to report a significant event to Ofsted. They have taken action to ensure children are “adequately supervised at all times,” in particular during the transitions from outside to inside.