Happy Days Nursery & Pre-School at Longhedge, Salisbury is proud to announce that it has been rated ‘Outstanding’ in its first ever Ofsted inspection since opening its doors in January 2023. The report highlights the nursery’s exceptional care, high-quality teaching, and its commitment to children’s development and well-being.
Located in the heart of Longhedge Village, just off the A345, the purpose-built nursery has become a central part of the local community. Led by Nursery Manager Julia Gale, the setting has quickly established a reputation for excellence.
The Ofsted report, published following the inspection on 1 April 2025, praises the nursery for creating a “caring and well-organised setting” where “children are happy, motivated and highly engaged.” Inspectors noted the strong relationships formed between staff and children, with babies described as “thriving” and “smiling and laughing as they sing together.”
The report commends the nursery’s ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum, noting that children are “highly motivated, engaged and focused on the tasks that staff challenge them with.” Inspectors were particularly impressed with how staff encourage empathy, independence, and emotional literacy among children of all ages.
We are absolutely thrilled with this Outstanding outcome from our very first Ofsted inspection,” said Julia Gale, Nursery Manager. “It’s a proud moment for our team, who work tirelessly to create a warm, inclusive, and inspiring environment for every child. Seeing the positive impact we make every day, and having that recognised by Ofsted, is incredibly rewarding.”
Children’s behaviour was described as “exemplary,” and the nursery was recognised for its emphasis on emotional development and the promotion of future learning skills. Staff were applauded for inspiring children to develop confidence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, with activities tailored precisely to their developmental needs.
The nursery also received praise for its strong community links, including visits to the local library and care home, and the recent launch of a community library outside the nursery—helping children understand their place in and contributions to the wider community.
Operations Director Fiona Blackwell commented:
“We are absolutely thrilled with this outcome. To achieve ‘Outstanding’ in our very first inspection is a testament to the passion, dedication, and care shown by our incredible team every single day. We are so proud to serve the Longhedge community and will continue striving to offer the very best start in life for every child.” Happy Days Nursery & Pre-School Longhedge continues to welcome families and is committed to maintaining the high standards recognised by Ofsted.
Happy Days at Longhedge, Salisbury is a high end, purpose built nursery which opened in January 2023 and has been equipped to the highest standard to support children’s age and stages of development and learning.
Contact Us
Phone: 01722 510 009
Email: salisbury@happydaysnurseries.com