A 'WELCOMING' and 'relaxing' nursery in Prestatyn that went 'toy free' has been rated 'excellent' in all areas by inspectors. 

Daisy Chains Nursery achieved the 'excellent' rating for well-being, care and development, environment and leadership and management by Care Inspectorate Wales.

The setting on Marine Road, which has 37 places for children, was paid a visit in January. The report was published this April.

Inspectors noted: "Children are highly active and curious learners and enjoy making choices about what they want to play with. Interactions between children and those caring for them are exceptionally good.  

"Children are highly interested and keenly engaged in their activities. Children’s opinions and interests are extremely valued and acted on. They have high levels of confidence and independence and learn through a range of interesting experiences."

Staff were praised for their interaction with children.

The report said: "Staff focus exceptionally well on the interests of the child, their individual needs and development. They are completely led by children’s choices and decisions. They nurture the children’s play highly effectively.

"Staff interact highly positively demonstrating warmth and kindness. They are highly skilled and sensitive communicators."

The report continued: "Nearly all resources are natural which promote children’s play and learning and develop their natural curiosity highly effectively. Staff care for children in a highly stimulating well laid out environment with exceptionally interesting and authentic resources.  

"These are very effective in developing children’s social, physical and creative skills.

"Leaders are exceptionally proactive and continue to have an extremely clear vision for the service."

Inspectors also highlighted the development and creativity of children at the setting.

Babies were described as "highly confident explorers".

The report said: "Children are developing their learning highly effectively and enjoy using their senses.

"Even the very youngest children concentrate exceptionally well. We saw six babies sitting and listening, mesmerised to a story. Other children stop what they are doing and take time to listen too, dipping in and out of the story as they play." 

The environment at Daisy Chain was praised for being "light, bright, and extremely well maintained."

Rebecca Wright, Director at Daisy Chains Prestatyn Ltd, said: "This was an unannounced inspection which makes its all the more special.

"We will be celebrating our 20th year anniversary next year and the business continues going from strength to strength.

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"When we first implemented a ‘no toy’ policy about eight years ago it caused quite the stir on social media however, we were confident that offering a ‘heuristic’ approach to childcare was the way forward for us.

"The inspection confirms that we made the right decision as we were also awarded all ‘Excellent’ in our previous inspection too so we are so happy to have maintained the same standard.

"We all appreciate how hard it is to be awarded ‘Excellent’ but to received it in all areas (Well Being, Care and development, Environment and Leadership) is a testament to the hard work of Manager Kelly Parry and all the staff.

"Their commitment and efforts truly make all the difference.

"We are all extremely proud of the inspection report."