Business Details
25 Years
experience
Award-Winning Childcare in Elland
Established in 2001, Water's Edge Nursery has built a reputation for delivering exceptional childcare and early years education. Our team of fully qualified professionals, including Ofsted Outstanding-rated practitioners, combines over two decades of experience with a commitment to continuous improvement. We pride ourselves on creating a safe, stimulating environment where children thrive, evidenced by our 2016 redevelopment of modern facilities and consistent recognition through awards and nominations.Our open-door policy encourages parental engagement, ensuring every family feels confident in our care. With a focus on individualised attention, we have nurtured generations of children from infancy through after-school programs, fostering lifelong learning and social development.
Services
Childcare Services
Early Years Education
After School Club
Outdoor Play Activities
Specialist Care
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We hold Ofsted Outstanding ratings since 2011
- Management team with 20+ years' childcare expertise
- Modern facilities redesigned for safety in 2016
- Open-door policy for parental engagement
- Specialist roles supporting individual child development
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Caring and professional staff
Happy and settled children
Highly recommend nursery
Bond with kids like home
Outstanding care standards
Services
Childcare Services
We provide full-day childcare for children aged 0-11 years in our Ofsted Outstanding-rated facility. Our qualified practitioners deliver tailored care plans that support emotional, physical and cognitive development through structured play and learning activities. With secure premises and continuous staff training, we ensure every child receives nurturing attention in a home-from-home environment.
Early Years Education
Our curriculum follows Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines with specialist teaching for ages 2-5 years. Through themed learning journeys and dedicated educational areas including technology and performing arts, we foster school readiness. Regular progress assessments and parent consultations ensure individual development needs are met by our BA-qualified teaching team.
After School Club
We offer supervised after-school provision for children up to age 11, including homework support and recreational activities. Our Edge Club provides a safe space for social development with structured games, creative projects and outdoor play. Flexible booking options accommodate working parents while maintaining consistent care standards.
Outdoor Play Activities
Our secure outdoor play areas feature age-appropriate equipment and natural learning spaces. Children develop motor skills through physical play while exploring environmental education. The garden includes sensory planting zones and safe surfaces meeting Ofsted safety requirements, supporting holistic development through outdoor experiences.
Specialist Care
We provide tailored care for children with additional needs through our specialist roles and partnership working. Our team implements individual education plans with regular multi-agency reviews. From speech therapy support to sensory integration activities, we ensure every child achieves their full potential in an inclusive setting.
People
Joanne Wood
Nursery Proprietor
Founder with 20+ years' childcare experience, holding Nursery Practitioner qualifications. Led Waters Edge since 2001, maintaining Ofsted Outstanding standards through continuous improvement initiatives and strategic leadership.
Carl Heavyside
Nursery Director
BA-qualified Early Years Teacher with management experience since 2001. Co-director responsible for educational standards and staff development, contributing to Ofsted Outstanding ratings through innovative teaching methodologies and quality assurance systems.
Kelly Heavyside
Nursery Director
BA-qualified Early Years Teacher and co-director since nursery opening. Specialises in child development and safeguarding protocols, implementing security measures during 2016 facility redevelopment while maintaining nurturing care environment.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for children aged 0-11 years across our Little Ducklings baby room to After School Club.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, we are Ofsted Outstanding-rated, having achieved this status in both 2011 and 2017 inspections.
How can I visit the nursery?
We operate an open-door policy - simply call ahead to arrange a convenient viewing time with our team.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All directors hold BA degrees in Early Years Education, with practitioners maintaining current childcare qualifications and safeguarding certifications.
Do you offer after-school care?
Yes, our Edge Club provides after-school provision until 5:30pm for children up to age 11 with flexible booking options.
How do you ensure child safety?
Our 2016 facility redesign incorporated enhanced security measures including controlled access while maintaining safe, stimulating play environments.
Reviews (5)
Nicola Baimbridge
Sep 04, 2020
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Amazing nursery my twins last day today and they have enjoyed every single day I wish they could stay little and keep coming, we will miss you all Thank you guys 5*
Mark Keenan
Sep 04, 2017
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The staff are a great I have just cleaned there gutters for them and I have tooooo say what a professional group of people they were just coming back with a group of kids that have been learning all about the Chinese new year
Emma Janine
Nov 21, 2015
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My little boys favourite plsygym ideal for the young ones it's safe enough to let them play while you sit in the cafe part. Good is good and lots of healthy options and gluten free options too. Staff always appear happy Like the view of the canal , boats, ducks especially in the summer sitting by the open doors. Always found it to be clean. Only negative is only two toilets can be an snxious wait with a toilet training toddler whilst someone is in there changing nappies for a while.
Ellie Marie Wilde
Jul 23, 2015
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To say it's supposed to be happy children's environment, it wouldn't hurt for the cafe staff to crack a smile now and again. Food is overpriced and the wait times are shocking. Waited 10 minutes just to get in! More staff needed.
Karen Wardle
Jun 07, 2015
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Fantastic 7th birthday disco party for Ava yesterday. Thanks to the team we all had a brilliant time. x
