URN EY490165 · Inspected 2026-06-30 · Published 2026-07-31 · Inspector: Katherine Wilson
Laugh N Learn Day Nursery Unique reference number (URN): EY490165 Address: 518 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B8 3HX Type: Childcare on non-domestic premises Registered with Ofsted: 08/06/2015 Registers: EYR, CCR, VCR Registered person: Laugh N Learn Day Nursery Ltd Inspection report: 30 June 2026 Exceptional Strong standard Expected standard Needs attention Urgent improvement Safeguarding standards met The safeguarding standards are met. This means that leaders and/or those responsible for governance and oversight fulfil their specific responsibilities and have established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed. As a result, children are made safer and feel safe. How we evaluate safeguarding When we inspect settings for safeguarding, they can have the following outcomes: Met: The setting has an open and positive culture of safeguarding. Not met: The setting has not created an open and positive culture of safeguarding. Not all legal requirements are met. Expected standard Achievement Expected standard Children make steady progress from their starting points. They enjoy a broad range of activities that support learning across all areas. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive enhanced support that helps them achieve well and participate fully. Most children are suitably prepared for transitions within the setting and for moving on to school. Children show growing independence as they attempt tasks, such as serving their own snacks or pouring drinks. These opportunities help them to develop confidence in managing everyday routines. However, some equipment children use, such as squeezing tongs or using large jugs, is sometimes difficult for younger children to manage. As a result, children often need staff to step in to assist, which limits their ability to practise these skills independently. This does not consistently strengthen children's independence and ensure they are very well prepared for future learning. Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines Expected standard Staff set clear expectations for children's behaviour, and children generally follow these well. Children form trusting relationships with their key person and other staff, which supports their emotional security. They show kindness in their interactions and demonstrate calm, engaged behaviour for most of the day. Children enjoy exploring sensory activities, such as coloured spaghetti or water play, and respond positively to staff's guidance. Leaders monitor children's attendance effectively and have clear procedures in place to support families. Children listen to instructions and understand the setting's 'golden rules'. Staff remind them to take turns and respect their friends' contributions, helping children to develop positive social skills. Routines are mostly well established, and children know what some of the expectations. Children play collaboratively, sharing ideas as they role play or explore small- world resources. However, during some times of change, routines are less organised. For example, at lunchtime, some staff are not fully prepared. As a result, this means children lose focus and become a little unsettled. This does not strengthen children's focus and engagement at these times. Children's welfare and wellbeing Expected standard Leaders typically prioritise children's welfare and wellbeing. They create a safe, warm and nurturing environment where children feel secure. Staff build positive relationships with children. They respond sensitively to their needs, ensuring they feel listened to and cared for. Children benefit from regular access to the garden, where they enjoy fresh air and physical activity that supports their wellbeing. Staff generally promote healthy habits from a young age. They encourage children to wipe their noses independently. Older children discuss how water affects their bodies during play, helping them to develop an early understanding of health. Staff ensure they meet children's personal needs promptly and respectfully, supporting their comfort and emotional security. Inclusive approaches underpin staff practice. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities or those facing additional barriers receive thoughtful support that helps them regulate their emotions and participate in daily activities. Staff create calm spaces and offer reassurance when children need time to settle. Leaders monitor wellbeing closely. They ensure staff have the guidance they need to maintain quality care. As a result, children feel safe, valued and ready to learn. Curriculum and teaching Expected standard Leaders have a clear understanding of the curriculum and ensure it staff deliver this well across the setting. Staff know the intent behind activities and plan them thoughtfully in a stimulating environment that supports children's learning. Children benefit from a focus on children's social and emotional development, with staff offering calm and reassuring interactions. For example, younger children who feel unsure receive gentle encouragement to join in through the use of familiar toys and resources. This helps children to build confidence before exploring independently. Children develop a love of stories and enjoy sharing books with staff. They repeat familiar phrases and show excitement as they anticipate what happens next. However, during some activities, staff repeat vocabulary children already know and do not consistently extend this. This means children do not consistently hear or practise new and ambitious vocabulary to extend their language further. Teaching supports children to typically develop their learning across areas of early years foundation stage. Staff teach mathematical concepts explicitly, and children respond well. They use mathematical language as they print and draw shapes or count objects in sensory play. This reinforces children's understanding through hands-on experiences. Inclusion Expected standard Leaders and staff demonstrate inclusive practice that ensures support all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) or those who may face barriers to their learning to participate fully. Staff work closely with parents and carers to identify children's needs early. They gain permissions promptly so that they involve external professionals without delay. This helps to reduce barriers and ensure that children receive the right support at the right time. Staff typically use their observations to assess children's needs and adapt provision so that children can thrive. Children with SEND benefit from tailored strategies that help them to make steady progress from their starting points. Staff understand how to adjust their approaches, utilising relevant training to meet children's individual needs with sensitivity and consistency. Leaders use additional funding appropriately to enhance children's experiences and improve outcomes. They monitor the impact of this support to ensure it is making a positive difference. Children who may be facing wider barriers to their learning or wellbeing receive nurturing and targeted support. This helps them to feel secure and ready to engage. Leadership and governance Expected standard Leaders provide steady and supportive direction for the setting. They are visible in the rooms and work alongside staff to model effective practice and positive interactions. This helps to maintain consistency in expectations and supports staff confidence. Parents and carers speak positively about the care their children receive. They value the warm relationships staff build with families. Leaders reflect on practice and make improvements where needed, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing development. Staff report feeling valued and well supported. Leaders take account of staff wellbeing and workload. They ensure expectations are manageable and that staff have opportunities for professional discussion and reflection. Staff engage in training that strengthens their understanding of children's needs, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Leaders monitor the impact of training to ensure it improves practice. The setting maintains positive relationships with parents and the wider community. Leaders communicate effectively with families and work collaboratively with external professionals to support children's development and wellbeing. Generally, leadership is steady and effective, ensuring children experience a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment. Further work across some aspects of the provision will support raising the quality even further. Compulsory Childcare Register requirements This setting has met the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. How we check if a provider meets the requirements of the Compulsory Childcare Register When we check if settings meet the Compulsory Childcare Register requirements, they can have the following outcomes: Met Not met Voluntary Childcare Register requirements This setting has met the requirements of the voluntary part of Childcare Register. How we check if a provider meets the requirements of the Voluntary Childcare Register When we check if settings meet the Voluntary Childcare Register requirements, they can have the following outcomes: Met Not met What it's like to be a child at this setting Children settle quickly with familiar staff, who greet them warmly and offer consistent reassurance. Children feel safe and secure, which enables them to move confidently into purposeful play. They engage in meaningful activities that link closely to their next steps and stage of development. For example, children show excitement as they explore a potion- making station designed to help them identify and express different emotions. Children talk openly about their feelings as they match colours to emotions, contributing their ideas while staff praise their efforts. This positive feedback strengthens children's confidence and self- esteem. All children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are fully included and receive support to thrive. They make steady progress from their starting points because staff understand their individual needs and adapt activities thoughtfully. Children benefit from staff who are attentive, responsive and respectful. When staff notice subtle changes in behaviour, they offer calm and nurturing support. Children generally behave well and follow clear boundaries. They understand expectations because staff model positive behaviour and provide consistent guidance. Children confidently take part in carefully supervised risky play. They climb soft-play equipment or use the garden climbing frame with enthusiasm, knowing staff are nearby to keep them safe. This helps children to develop their physical skills and resilience. Children thoroughly enjoy their time outdoors. They dig in the sand to uncover hidden objects, ride scooters and bicycles with growing control. Children collaborate with friends to create chalk shapes on the ground. These shared experiences strengthen children's social skills and friendships. Children engage in sociable mealtimes, talking about the foods they eat and discussing what is healthy or unhealthy. These conversations help children to develop healthy habits and an early understanding of how to look after their bodies. Inspector: Katherine Wilson About this setting Unique reference number (URN): EY490165 Address: 518 Alum Rock Road Birmingham West Midlands B8 3HX Type: Childcare on non-domestic premises Registration date: 08/06/2015 Registered person: Laugh N Learn Day Nursery Ltd Register(s): EYR, CCR, VCR Operating hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday : 07:30 - 18:00 Next steps Leaders should refine interactions further to extend children's vocabulary and strengthen language development. Leaders should enhance opportunities and resources that promote children's independence from a young age. Leaders should support staff to organise routines at times of change more consistently so children remain focused and engaged. About this inspection The inspector spoke with leaders, staff, the special educational needs coordinator and parents and carers during the inspection. We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage. Local authority: Birmingham Facts and figures used on inspection This data was available to the inspector at the time of the inspection. This data is from 30 June 2026 Children numbers Age range of children at the time of inspection 0 to 4 Total number of places 78 Our grades explained Exceptional Practice is exceptional: of the highest standard nationally. Other settings can learn from it. Strong standard The setting reaches a strong standard. Leaders are working above the standard expected of them. Expected standard The setting is fulfilling the expected standard of education and/or care. This means they are following the standard set out in statutory and non ‑ statutory legislation and the professional standards expected of them. Needs attention The expected standards are not met but leaders are likely able to make the necessary improvements. Urgent improvement The setting needs to make urgent improvements to provide the expected standard of education and/or care. The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) inspects services providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. 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