Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Ashby de la Zouch
Established in 1990, Smisby Day Nursery provides a nurturing and secure environment for children aged 0-5 years. Our purpose-built facility, housed in a restored 1900s village school building, combines historical charm with modern childcare practices. With staff boasting over 192 combined years of experience, including 90% holding NVQ Level 3 qualifications or higher, we maintain staffing ratios exceeding OfSTED requirements.Our curriculum emphasizes communication development, physical activity, and creative exploration, supported by OfSTED-rated 'good' safeguarding systems and continuous improvement frameworks. We offer flexible care through baby rooms, toddler and preschool facilities, and after-school/holiday clubs, operating 8 AM-6 PM Monday-Friday with security measures including coded access and DBS-checked staff.
Services
Baby Room
Toddler Room
Pre-School Room
After School Club
Holiday Club
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- OfSTED-rated 'good' with consistently positive inspection outcomes since 2008
- Staff with 90% NVQ Level 3 qualifications and 192+ combined years of experience
- Secure premises with coded access and rigorous DBS-checked staff
- Daily fresh-cooked meals accommodating dietary requirements
- Flexible care options including holiday schemes and after-school clubs
Associations and certifications
- OfSTED
What people say
Secure environment
Experienced staff
Good progress in learning
Positive behaviour management
Healthy meals provided
Services
Baby Room
Our Baby Room provides nurturing care for infants in a secure, stimulating environment. Qualified staff implement age-appropriate activities promoting sensory development and early communication. The room features dedicated spaces for feeding, sleeping, and play, with continuous observation and recording of developmental milestones. Parents receive regular updates on their child's progress and key worker attachments.
After School Club
The After School Club offers supervised care for children aged 5-11 during term time. Activities include homework support, creative projects, and outdoor play in our secure garden area. The club operates from school finish time until 6 PM, with flexible booking options available to accommodate working parents' schedules.
Holiday Club
Our Holiday Club provides full and half-day care during all school holidays. Children participate in themed activities, local excursions, and structured play sessions. The programme follows Leicestershire school term dates and includes nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parents receive activity schedules and safety information in advance of each holiday period.
Pre-School Room
The Pre-School Room prepares children aged 3-5 for school transition through structured learning and play. Staff deliver curriculum-based activities focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The room features designated areas for reading, creative play, and physical development, with regular assessments tracking individual progress towards early learning goals.
Toddler Room
Our Toddler Room caters for children aged 18 months-3 years with age-appropriate resources and activities. Staff facilitate social interaction and motor skill development through guided play sessions. The room includes safe exploration zones and transition support for children moving from baby to toddler care, with gradual integration into preschool activities.
People
Beverley Butcher
Nursery Manager
Beverley has over 20 years' experience in early years education, holding a Level 5 qualification. She oversees daily operations and staff development at Smisby Day Nursery.
Sonia Weston
Deputy Nursery Manager
Sonia supports nursery operations with her Level 3 childcare expertise and 15+ years of experience in early years settings.
Abigail Hurmson
Deputy Nursery Manager
Abigail manages staff training and child development programmes, bringing Level 3 qualifications and extensive nursery experience.
Questions
What OfSTED ratings has Smisby Day Nursery received?
We've maintained 'Good' ratings since 2008 with recent inspections highlighting staff expertise, child development outcomes, and secure environment. Our 2025 report praised staff well-being initiatives and communication-focused curriculum.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
90% of our care team hold NVQ Level 3 qualifications or higher, with five staff members possessing full degrees. All staff complete safeguarding training and have DBS checks.
How do you support children's dietary requirements?
We prepare all meals on-site using fresh ingredients, accommodating allergies and special dietary needs. Our menus include vegetarian options and cater for cultural dietary preferences with parental consultation.
What security measures are in place?
We use coded access systems, DBS-checked staff, and visitor sign-in procedures. Parents receive security codes while emergency collectors must present ID for verification before child collection.
Do you offer flexible childcare options?
We provide baby room placements from 6 weeks, toddler and preschool care, plus after-school and holiday clubs operating 8 AM-6 PM Monday-Friday with flexible booking arrangements.