Barrowford Preschool Nursery

Inspection of Barrowford Preschool Nursery Wilton Street, Barrowford, Nelson, Lancs BB9 8PU

p.1

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children thrive at this outstanding setting. Staff know each child extremely well and create a nurturing, thoughtfully planned environment that fosters curiosity and exploration. From the moment children arrive, they demonstrate high levels of independence and confidence and an eagerness to learn. For example, older children arrive excited to continue previous experiences, such as 'geocaching', independently initiating map-making and maintaining deep levels of concentration throughout their play. Children display consistently positive attitudes to learning and make excellent progress across all areas of development. They are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Leaders and staff have designed an ambitious, coherently sequenced curriculum that is expertly and consistently implemented across all age groups. Learning is seamlessly embedded within daily routines. For instance, staff skilfully use mealtimes as purposeful teaching opportunities across the setting. Babies are encouraged to feed themselves, promoting early independence. Older children benefit from high-quality adult interactions, where staff model ambitious vocabulary such as 'digestion' and 'fibre' while exploring food textures. These experiences deepen children's understanding of how different foods support a healthy lifestyle.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Staff have consistently high expectations for all children, and children rise to meet them. They work extremely well with others, showing exemplary social skills, emotional maturity and cooperation. Children take turns, share and support one another, demonstrating a strong sense of empathy and respect. Staff promote personal development exceptionally well, helping children to recognise and regulate their emotions. Children express their needs with confidence and build resilience in both their learning and relationships. As a result, children's behaviour is exemplary.

p.2

need to do better?

n The experienced and well-established staff team reports feeling consistently supported by leaders, resulting in exceptionally high morale. Leaders implement thorough supervision processes and facilitate ongoing professional development, with clearly defined actions and next steps. The progress of individual staff members is regularly monitored to ensure that enhancements in practice are fully embedded. This helps to drive improvement and further improve outcomes for children. n The outdoor provision is rich, varied and carefully planned to promote curiosity, exploration and physical development. Children engage in sensory experiences, such as listening to natural sounds, and explore enquiry-based stations, including planting and science. For example, younger children develop hand

p.2

need to do better?

12 August 2025 dexterity as they create their own versions of ice creams using tools such as tweezers and scoops. When role playing an ice-cream van, staff skilfully extend the activity into a sensory science experience using shaving foam and colour mixing. Furthermore, older children navigate large logs, developing balance, coordination and confidence. Consequently, physical development is consistently well supported. n Staff support children to develop a love of stories, songs and rhymes. Babies are encouraged to form first words, repeating words such as 'duck' and 'quack'. Toddlers enthusiastically join in actions as staff spontaneously sing songs like 'Incy Wincy Spider' while exploring books about bugs. Additionally, staff seamlessly introduce descriptive language, such as 'mix', to explain stirring motions. As a result, all children rapidly develop language skills and become confident communicators.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children's independence is securely embedded in practice and actively encouraged through thoughtful provision. Even the youngest children develop a strong sense of responsibility as they confidently clear their plates and wipe their eating areas. The environment further promotes choice and autonomy, with facilities such as mini urinals supporting independence and fostering discussions about similarities and differences. Additionally, children develop essential safety skills. For example, older children remind visitors to apply sunscreen to protect their skin from UV rays. These experiences effectively equip children with lifelong skills in personal care, safety and self-awareness. n Early mathematics is supported effectively from the earliest stages. Babies enthusiastically use their fingers to count up to three, developing early number recognition. Children also build an understanding of time by observing a sand

p.3

need to do better?

timer as it counts down, reminding them to brush their teeth for two minutes. Furthermore, older children are encouraged to identify and explore patterns in their daily play. n Parent partnership is a real strength. Staff build strong, trusting relationships with families through regular communication and active involvement. Parents feel well-informed and supported, with clear strategies shared to extend children's learning and emotional development at home. This close collaboration fosters a nurturing, inclusive environment where children thrive, both at nursery and beyond.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 309230 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10399387 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 72 Number of children on roll 52 Name of registered person Barrowford Preschool Nursery LTD

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01282 698057 Date of previous inspection 29 November 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Barrowford Preschool Nursery is situated in Barrowford, Lancashire and was registered in 1984. It employs 23 staff members, of which one holds early years professional status, seven hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 4 and 14 hold an appropriate qualification at level 3. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, from 7.45am to 5pm, for 48 weeks per year. It offers both term-time and full-time places. The nursery offers government-funded early years education.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector sampled relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery.

p.5

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

p.5

Inspection activities

12 August 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6