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Early years · Report card

Puddleducks @ Meadoway

Inspected 18 Aug 2026 · URN 2496795

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Summary

No overall grade in this frameworkSafeguarding met

Laura Farrell

What we read, and from where

Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.

  • Achievement verified

    Strong standard

  • Behaviour, attitudes and routines verified

    Strong standard

  • Children's welfare and wellbeing verified

    Strong standard

  • Curriculum and teaching verified

    Strong standard

  • Inclusion verified

    Strong standard

  • Leadership and governance verified

    Strong standard

  • Framework verified

    Report card

  • Group verified

    Puddleducks Children's Nursery Limited

  • Inspection datesingle source

    18 Aug 2026

  • Inspectors verified

    Laura Farrell

  • Postcode verified

    BB5 4AR

  • Name on report verified

    Puddleducks @ Meadoway

  • Safeguarding verified

    Met

  • URN verified

    2496795

Page 1 of 9
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

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Grade profile

Each judgement on its scale, weakest to strongest.

  • AchievementStrong
  • Behaviour, attitudes and routinesStrong
  • Children's welfare and wellbeingStrong
  • Curriculum and teachingStrong
  • InclusionStrong
  • Leadership and governanceStrong

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+88Very positivemore positive than 85% of reports of this type

Reads more warmly than most reports of this type.

Praisehigh expectationsexcellentrespectfulhighly effectiverapid progresswell preparednurturingpolite
Criticismconcernslimited

How the report reads, start to finish

Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.

FindingsSafeguardingAbout the inspectionLeadershipWhat needs to improve positive critical
  • Findings1375w+91
  • Leadership212w+83
  • Safeguarding51w−11
  • What needs to improve105w0

Strengths

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

Concerns

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

No strong criticism found.

Next steps

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What the report dwells on

Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.

Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
9
Words of findings
1,743
about usual (typical 1698)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 49, typical 43
Average sentence
14 words
Next steps
4
typical 3
Hedged sentences
0%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 64%Leadership 10%Safeguarding 2%What needs to improve 5%About the inspection 19%

Full report text

Puddleducks @ Meadoway

Unique reference number (URN): 2496795 Address: Regent Road, Church, Accrington, BB5 4AR Type: Childcare on non-domestic premises Registered with Ofsted: 18/09/2018 Registers: EYR, CCR, VCR Registered person: Puddleducks Children's Nursery Limited

p.1

Safeguarding standards met

The safeguarding standards are met. This means that leaders and/or those responsible for governance and oversight fulfil their specific responsibilities and have established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed. As a result, children are made safer and feel safe.

p.1

How we evaluate safeguarding

When we inspect settings for safeguarding, they can have the following outcomes:

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How we evaluate safeguarding

Met: The setting has an open and positive culture of safeguarding. Not met: The setting has not created an open and positive culture of safeguarding. Not all legal requirements are met.

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Achievement Strong standard

Children make excellent progress from their respective starting points. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make rapid progress as staff are quick to identify needs and implement strategies. As a result, children are well prepared for the next stage in their learning. Staff swiftly respond to children who are not making expected progress and provide support.

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Achievement Strong standard

Children make progress across all areas of development, building key skills across different ages. For example, babies drink from closed cups while older children learn to pour the correct amount of water into an open cup. They develop confidence and independence as they attempt to put on their shoes and coats.

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Achievement Strong standard

All children show high levels of engagement. Babies share interactive books with staff, whereas older children access stories independently. Children move between different learning activities with enthusiasm, showing interest in what they are doing. All children are engaged in learning. Children who speak English as an additional language are able to listen to instructions in their home language. As a result, learning is supported and children continue to make progress.

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Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines Strong standard

Leaders have created a safe, nurturing environment where children are taught to be respectful. Children model their best possible behaviour and are thoughtful towards each other. For example, children include their friends in play when they are watching activities. Younger children are taught to share through gentle guidance from staff. As a result, older children share with their friends and understand how other children may feel. Staff and children show mutual respect as staff ask younger children if they would like wet clothes changing, and children help staff to get their bags. Interactions are polite and courteous as using manners and gentle voices are modelled.

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Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines Strong standard

Children are engaged in their learning as activities are linked to their interests. Staff are enthusiastic and encourage children to explore all areas. As a result, children develop positive attitudes towards their learning.

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Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines Strong standard

Clear routines are embedded. Children understand what will come next in their day. For example, babies understand and work with staff to put suitable clothing on to play outside. Routines support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities as they understand how to prepare for mealtimes. Children are taught life skills, such as table manners and the importance of a healthy diet. Children access a sustainability garden where they learn to grow fruits and vegetables, supported by the setting's cooks. Children understand why they brush their teeth. Leaders promote and monitor attendance. They work with parents to identify and overcome barriers to regular attendance. For example, leaders have used additional funding for extra sessions.

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Children's welfare and wellbeing Strong standard

Leaders and staff prioritise children's welfare and wellbeing. They have a detailed understanding of children and their families, and barriers that they may face. For example, all parents and carers can access an 'on the go' breakfast, or access donated uniforms. Parents and carers are appreciative of the support they are given, beyond the care of their children. These supportive, trusting relationships ensure that children settle into the setting quickly and develop a strong sense of belonging. When babies become unsettled, they seek the comfort of staff. Older children seek adults to share their learning and participation in play.

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Children's welfare and wellbeing Strong standard

Children become emotionally intelligent as they learn about their emotions and how others feel in different situations. They learn to be respectful of others. For example, children encourage children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to join in with activities, and they can explain to others why they may need extra support.

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Children's welfare and wellbeing Strong standard

Leaders and staff have a clear understanding of safer-sleep practice. They work with parents and carers to support babies who are weaning. In addition, they educate and advise parents about what is age and stage appropriate. Physical development is encouraged as children regularly access the outdoor area. Healthy lifestyles are promoted through nutritious meals and oral-health initiatives.

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Curriculum and teaching Strong standard

Leaders have high expectations for all children. They have designed a curriculum which is responsive to the changing needs of their children. It is challenging and enables children to make progress across all areas of learning. Staff know what they want children to learn and adapt the rooms to be able to teach the curriculum. For example, toddlers access messy play that promotes mathematical skills and language, such as 'full' and 'small', and they add a number of flags to a sandcastle. Children benefit from experienced staff who understand child development. Staff see learning opportunities in all interactions.

p.3

Curriculum and teaching Strong standard

The curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure that children are constantly making progress. Staff know their children's next steps and include these alongside the taught curriculum. As a result, children receive tailored teaching to their needs. Staff ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities access a tailored curriculum. They work alongside external agencies to develop a curriculum that has achievable steps.

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Curriculum and teaching Strong standard

Staff use effective open-ended questions to extend learning, such as 'how' and 'why' questions. They encourage children to explore activities and think critically by encouraging them to have a go without adult guidance first. Staff consistently build on children's communication and language skills by reading books and signing rhymes during daily routines.

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Inclusion Strong standard

Leaders have high expectations for their setting. They strive to provide the best care for children including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and children who are known (or previously known) to children's social care. Leaders are quick to recognise and respond to each child's individual needs. They work well with external agencies to do so, such as the paediatric team, speech and language therapists and specialist teachers. Suggested strategies are implemented quickly. Parents report that leaders work with them to access agency advice.

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Inclusion Strong standard

Staff know the children well and use this to provide specific support. For example, they use children's interests to create activities to encourage communication and language development. Leaders understand the barriers that their children face at home and therefore provide extra equipment, such as toothbrushes or uniform, so they have access to the same opportunities as their peers. Additional funding is used for both learning and holistic needs. For example, funding is spent on extra resources or enrichment experiences for children.

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Inclusion Strong standard

Leaders and staff access quality training to enable them to support children with SEND. They are passionate about upskilling themselves to meet the various needs of the children. As a result, children can access all areas of learning.

p.4

Leadership and governance Strong standard

Leaders know their children and the setting very well. They have a clear vision that serves the needs of their children, families and community. Regular assessments and observations ensure that leaders evaluate the effectiveness of their offer. Leaders have a thorough understanding of the barriers faced within the community and ensure that their children receive experiences and learning to overcome these. Families appreciate the communication and support they receive, particularly when children require additional help and support.

p.4

Leadership and governance Strong standard

The leadership and governance of the setting is robust. Leaders' highly effective oversight of safer recruitment, safeguarding and the quality of provision mean that staff offer consistent care. Leaders have an accurate view of the setting's strengths and areas for development. They reflect on feedback, making swift changes in response. They ensure these changes become embedded into practice. For example, leaders prioritised improving staff interactions to include all children in learning.

p.4

Leadership and governance Strong standard

Leaders ensure that their high standards are met throughout the setting, through regular staff observations and supervision meetings. Training is regularly offered to improve staff development. As a result, practice has been strengthened across the setting. Staff feel valued in their roles and contribute to the culture of continuous improvement and high standards. Staff report they are happy and have high levels of wellbeing.

p.4

Compulsory Childcare Register requirements

This setting has met the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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Register

When we check if settings meet the Compulsory Childcare Register requirements, they can have the following outcomes:

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Voluntary Childcare Register requirements

This setting has met the requirements of the voluntary part of Childcare Register.

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Register

When we check if settings meet the Voluntary Childcare Register requirements, they can have the following outcomes:

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What it's like to be a child at this setting

Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), flourish in this setting. They are welcomed by familiar, caring staff who know them well. Children settle quickly and form nurturing relationships with kind staff. They are respectful in their interactions with one another as this has been modelled by staff around them. Children learn to be considerate of others as they discuss how they are feeling and encourage each other to join in with their play. They share, take turns and are polite. They confidently include staff and other children in play as they work together to complete an activity. Children's wellbeing

p.5

Inspector:

Laura Farrell is a priority. They seek comfort from staff when they are upset, who are quick to offer cuddles.

p.6

Inspector:

Children are highly engaged in a range of activities which have been well planned to meet their needs. Children enjoy the time they spend outdoors as they engage in water play. Children are encouraged to develop their problem-solving skills. For example, they decide how to fill different containers using utensils. Physical development is encouraged from an early age as babies learn to pull themselves up and walk, and older children climb on outdoor climbing frames.

p.6

Inspector:

All children are well supported from an early age. Individual needs and next steps are identified quickly and strategies are put in place to help children to achieve. Families of children with SEND report that their children 'thrive' from the support that has been put in place for them. Children learn self-help skills and become independent. As a result, children are well prepared for their next stage in learning, including the transition in to school.

p.6

Inspector:

Attendance is monitored closely, with leaders understanding the importance of attendance on learning and achievement.

p.6

Next steps

Leaders and those responsible for governance should sustain their work to ensure continued improvement and high standards. They should focus on creating a transformational impact on outcomes and experiences of disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, their learning and wellbeing.

p.6

About this inspection

The inspectors spoke with leaders, staff, parents and children during the inspection.

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About this inspection

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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About this inspection

We carried out this inspection as a result of a risk assessment, following information we received about the provider. The provider will be able to give parents further information about this.

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Address:

Type: Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Address:

Registered person: Puddleducks Children's Nursery Limited

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Address:

Operating hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday : 07:30 - 18:00

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Facts and figures used on inspection

This data was available to the inspector at the time of the inspection.

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Exceptional

Practice is exceptional: of the highest standard nationally. Other settings can learn from it.

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Strong standard

The setting reaches a strong standard. Leaders are working above the standard expected of them.

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Expected standard

The setting is fulfilling the expected standard of education and/or care. This means they are following the standard set out in statutory and non ‑ statutory legislation and the professional standards expected of them.

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Needs attention

The expected standards are not met but leaders are likely able to make the necessary improvements.

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Urgent improvement

The setting needs to make urgent improvements to provide the expected standard of education and/or care.

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Urgent improvement

services providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people.

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Urgent improvement

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 .

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Urgent improvement

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 .

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Urgent improvement

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Urgent improvement

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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