Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Early Years Education in Halifax
Creative Learning Childcare has been dedicated to early childhood education since 1996, operating two nurseries in Pye Nest and Elland. Our approach integrates globally recognised philosophies such as Reggio, High Scope, and Forest Schools, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. With consecutive Ofsted Outstanding ratings, we prioritise individualised care, parental collaboration, and a nurturing environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years.Our family-run ethos and commitment to professional development ensure a team of passionate educators who support holistic development. We offer unique facilities including Forest School sessions, outdoor learning spaces, and project-based activities that align with the Early Years Foundation Stage. Our focus on sustainability, creativity, and community engagement reflects our belief in learning through joyful, hands-on experiences.
Services
Early Years Education
Forest School Sessions
Outdoor Learning
Parental Involvement Programs
Childcare for Infants
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in early childhood education.
- Our approach is inspired by Reggio, High Scope, and Forest Schools.
- We offer Forest School sessions led by a Level 3 qualified leader.
- Our nurseries have been rated Outstanding by Ofsted in consecutive inspections.
- We are a family-run business with Early Years Teachers and graduate staff.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Outstanding Ofsted ratings
Nurturing environment
Innovative learning approaches
Dedicated staff
Positive parental involvement
Services
Early Years Education
Our Early Years Education programs blend Reggio-inspired, High Scope, and Forest School methodologies to foster holistic development. Children engage in child-led exploration, project-based learning, and structured activities aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage. This approach builds confidence, creativity, and foundational academic skills through hands-on, joyful experiences.
Forest School Sessions
Forest School Sessions provide weekly outdoor experiences led by a Level 3 qualified leader. Children aged 2+ explore natural resources, develop risk-assessment skills, and connect with nature through hands-on activities. These sessions promote physical coordination, environmental awareness, and imaginative play in both on-site woodland areas and local forests.
Parental Involvement Programs
Parental Involvement Programs include secure online learning journals, home-visit planning, and regular progress discussions. We encourage families to share home experiences that inform our activity planning, creating a collaborative approach to child development and ensuring continuity between nursery and home environments.
Outdoor Learning Activities
Outdoor Learning Activities utilise extensive grounds with growing pods, mud kitchens, climbing areas, and woodland spaces. Children develop motor skills, teamwork, and environmental understanding through gardening, construction, and sensory play in natural settings that support physical and social growth.
Childcare for Infants
Childcare for Infants (3 months+) includes dedicated baby rooms with natural light, sleeping pods, and sensory-rich environments. Staff follow home routines to ensure gentle settling, offering individualised care that prioritises safety, comfort, and early developmental milestones in a nurturing, stimulating space.
People
Denise Gwizdak
Managing Director
Denise founded Creative Learning Childcare in 1996 after transitioning from hotel management. With a BA in Childhood Studies, PGCE, and MA studies in Early Childhood Education, she leads both nurseries, embedding Reggio, RIE, and Forest School philosophies into daily practice.
Bethany Gwizdak
Deputy Manager
Bethany joined the team in 2009 after completing her Childhood Studies degree. She manages the Elland nursery, focusing on creative expression and project-based learning, and contributes to the nurseries' award-winning educational approach.
Ciara Kenneally
Senior Practitioner
Ciara supports daily operations at Pye Nest Nursery. With a BA (Hons) degree, she specialises in early years curriculum development and ensures high-quality care across all age groups, maintaining the nurseries' Outstanding Ofsted standards.
Levii Dodd
Senior Practitioner
Levii contributes to Pye Nest's leadership team, focusing on staff training and child development. Holding a BA (Hons) degree, they implement innovative teaching methods that align with the nurseries' Reggio-inspired philosophy.
Michaela Wadsworth
Deputy Manager
Michaela serves as deputy manager at Elland Nursery. With a BA (Hons) degree, she oversees daily operations, ensuring adherence to educational standards while fostering a creative, child-centred learning environment.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children aged 3 months to 5 years across dedicated rooms for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Are your staff qualified?
Our team includes Early Years Teachers, graduates, and Level 3-5 practitioners, all with relevant childcare qualifications and ongoing professional development.
How do you involve parents?
We use secure online learning journals, home-visit planning, and regular progress meetings to maintain strong parent-educator collaboration.
What outdoor facilities do you offer?
Both nurseries feature extensive outdoor spaces with Forest School areas, mud kitchens, climbing zones, and growing pods for hands-on nature exploration.
How do you support transitions between rooms?
We discuss all room transitions with parents beforehand and ensure smooth moves by maintaining peer groups and familiar routines.
What are your opening hours?
We operate from 7:30am to 6pm daily, offering full-day, morning, and afternoon sessions.
