Barrowford Preschool Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

The nursery is an exceptionally inclusive and highly stimulating environment for all children. Both the indoor and outdoor areas are excellent and are carefully designed to promote learning in every area.

Extremely knowledgeable and experienced staff have high expectations for every child throughout the nursery and work tirelessly to ensure that all children can reach their best possible outcomes. They skilfully adapt activities so all children can join in. For example, during a sensory activity focusing on touch, staff place items in sealed covers to enable children with allergies to join in.

The staff utilise ...all features of the local surrounding area. They provide exciting and enriching activities which children may not have the opportunity to do elsewhere. For example, children regularly access forest school and go fishing in the summer.

Children are exceptionally happy and secure in the setting. They excitedly talk about what they are doing. For example, children happily show the number of magnets they have counted.

They behave exceptionally well and show positive attitudes to learning as they eagerly join in activities. Mathematics and literacy are deeply embedded in both practice and the environment. For example, books are accessible in every area of the setting, allowing children to include and incorporate these into their play.

Skilful staff automatically embed mathematical language into the daily routine.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

All staff throughout the nursery carefully plan and provide an exciting curriculum specifically focused on the individual needs of children. They expertly observe children and meticulously plan exciting and engaging activities which promote all areas of learning.

Staff then gradually and expertly build on these experiences to promote further learning. For example, staff relate a water activity to a past visit to the park where they looked at a water gauge. Staff encourage children to recall what the gauge was used for and compare it to the equipment in the activity.

High-level learning is promoted throughout. Staff ensure that they provide valuable experiences that enrich children's experiences and promote skills required for further learning.All children are exceptionally happy and settled in the nursery.

They confidently access activities independently and are extremely eager to join in activities provided. For example, children happily participate in singing sessions and learn songs in different languages. They are extremely respectful and show care towards each other.

For example, children comfort each other when they are upset. Children benefit from a well-designed outdoor area and many opportunities to practise taking safe risks. They try their best when faced with challenges.

For example, children continue to try and try again to climb and walk along wooden beams.Staff are excellent role models and provide a wide variety of invaluable experiences that promote an understanding of caring for others and valuing differences. For example, children regularly visit a local care home to spend time with the residents and they come into the setting to bake with children.

Staff have a deep understanding of emotional intelligence and automatically promote this in their practice. For example, they discuss with children how their actions may impact on someone's feelings.The highly experienced and effective managers are dedicated to ensuring that all staff feel valued.

They provide outstanding support to enable staff to provide the best possible care for all children in the setting. Sharply focused professional development opportunities are provided to all staff members. This has a positive impact on practice as staff strive to improve the service they provide.

Parents' views are highly valued and staff use their feedback proactively when reflecting on practice and making improvements. All staff have high expectations for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and ensure that procedures are put into place so they reach their best possible outcomes.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Safeguarding is highly effective. The knowledgeable staff receive high-level training in safeguarding and child protection, which is regularly updated. As a result, they have a secure knowledge of signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedure to follow if they have a concern about a child.

Staff are highly aware of indicators of when children and families maybe in need, and act quickly to ensure they receive the support they require. Always ensuring the safety of children is paramount. There is a robust induction procedure in place for new members of staff, and the suitability of staff is regularly monitored during supervision.