Bowland Preschool

Inspection of Bowland Preschool St. James C Of E Primary School, Clitheroe BB7 1ED

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Staff create a lively and adventurous environment, where children's independence, respect and real-world learning are central to daily life. They greet children warmly. Staff encourage children to arrive in wellington boots and waterproof trousers to make sure that they are always ready to go outdoors. Staff set high expectations from the start. They support even the youngest children to take responsibility for their belongings and join in routines with growing confidence.

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The provision is good

Outdoor learning is a significant strength of the curriculum. Leaders have planned a curriculum and sequence of experiences that expose children to challenge, risk and problem-solving. Staff encourage children to persevere and make decisions for themselves, while modelling how to stay safe. This gives all children the confidence to test their physical skills, work collaboratively and build the resilience they need to thrive in new situations.

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The provision is good

Staff prioritise children's language and communication throughout the curriculum. They engage children in rich conversations, extend their vocabulary and promote active listening. Story times and singing sessions are carefully planned to spark curiosity and ensure that all children, including the quieter ones, have a voice. As a result, children become confident communicators who can express ideas clearly and respond thoughtfully to others.

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need to do better?

n Routines are firmly established and understood by all children, including the youngest. For instance, they take part in well-known songs that make moving between activities smooth and orderly. This consistent approach helps children to build confidence and independence as they learn to anticipate what comes next. As a result, new children settle quickly. n Children benefit from real-world learning experiences that make the curriculum meaningful. For example, when they watch volunteers use garden tools to clear nettles, staff encourage children to observe closely and talk about what is happening. Children learn that garden tools must be used with care and that managing the environment can make spaces safer and more enjoyable. Through observation, listening and suggesting ideas, children develop curiosity and thinking skills. n Children's outdoor learning is rich and meaningful. On walks to the nature

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need to do better?

reserve, staff draw children's attention to ducks on the water and acorns underfoot. They prompt children to wonder how acorns grow into oak trees and introduce new vocabulary. Children respond with curiosity and begin to make sense of the natural world. n Staff weave mathematics into everyday routines. At snack time, staff invite

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need to do better?

11 September 2025 children to choose between milk and water, count the cups for each choice and match numerals on a number line. This helps children to connect counting to real life, recognise numbers and understand quantity. n Children's language and communication is a high priority in the pre-school. Staff deliver lively story times, lead singing sessions and encourage children to speak during show-and-tell sessions. Staff ask purposeful questions, model rich vocabulary and make space for quieter children to join in. As a result, children speak with confidence, listen carefully and enjoy sharing their ideas. n The setting sets high expectations for children's independence. They teach children to manage their coats and take responsibility for their packed lunches. Staff give children small tasks, such as handing out bags or clearing away rubbish. They use these routines to nurture children's confidence, self-reliance

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need to do better?

and readiness for school. n Leaders have established an ambitious curriculum that guides high-quality teaching and care. They aim to support staff so that the curriculum is delivered with confidence and consistency. This ensures that every child experiences the same high-quality provision every day. However, leaders have not yet embedded this approach with some newer staff. This leads to slight inconsistencies in teaching. n Staff manage children's behaviour with consistency and respect. They acknowledge that waiting is difficult, but explain why it matters and encourage children to practise patience. Older children remind newer ones of the rules, showing how well staff embed their expectations. Children learn fairness, respect and cooperation. n Partnership working with parents and carers is effective. Staff work closely with parents to share information and support smooth transitions for children. They

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need to do better?

share updates through a messaging app, parents' meetings and daily conversations. Parents receive information about what their children are learning and how they can support their children at home. They praise the adventurous curriculum and the emphasis on developing children's independence.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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should:

n strengthen ongoing training, coaching and mentoring of new staff to help raise teaching to a consistently high level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549286 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10398776 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 16 Number of children on roll 18 Name of registered person Fletcher, Heather

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reference number

Telephone number 07738656878 Date of previous inspection 8 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Bowland Preschool registered in 2017. It is independently run and located at St. James C Of E Primary School, Clitheroe. The pre-school employs four members of childcare staff. Of these, three staff members hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 3 or above. This includes the manager, who holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 6. The pre-school provides sessions from 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. It provides government-funded childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the pre-school and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on the children's learning. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Parents shared their views with the inspector. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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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.

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Inspection activities

11 September 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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