The Manor Nursery School

Play-dough birthday cakes and conversations that give children time to answer provide a useful picture of The Manor Nursery School in Blackpool. At its December 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found that children were progressing well and judged safeguarding effective.

The nursery has capacity for 100 children and accepts ages from 3 to 60 months. Its strongest inspection examples centred on practical play, language and helping children understand one another. The outdoor teaching needed more attention.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play supports communication, physical skills and learning to get along with others.

In December 2023, toddlers searched for hidden objects in flour mixed with glitter, using their hands and digging tools. Preschool children made birthday cakes from play dough, choosing candles to match their ages. These examples connected sensory exploration and counting with something children could recognise.

During that month, indoor resources helped children develop their own ideas. Outside, children had opportunities to practise larger movements, but adult involvement concentrated more on supervision than on developing the play. That distinction matters: outdoor space and outdoor teaching are separate considerations.

In December 2023, staff gave children thinking time during conversations and worked with parents and professionals when speech or language difficulties arose. Parents received updates through an online app, alongside discussion of what their child would learn next. This gave families specific learning to follow up at home.

Older children shared ideas and played together independently that month, while younger children received help with taking turns. Staff explained how behaviour affected other people, making boundaries understandable rather than simply issuing instructions.

Meals in December 2023 were cooked by a trained chef and adapted for individual dietary requirements; recipe suggestions were also shared with parents. Everyday safety teaching included showing children how to carry scissors safely.

Braithwaite Manor, on Mythop Road in Blackpool, is the nursery's address, with postcode FY4 4UZ. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with a Christmas closure. At the December 2023 inspection, session times were 7.30am to 5.30pm.

In December 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. That is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise about a family's present entitlement.

• Outdoor learning. In December 2023, adult interaction outside did less to develop children's learning than it did indoors. On a visit, ask how practitioners now extend outdoor play.
• Staff feedback. December 2023 improvement priorities included sharper monitoring of teaching and more useful feedback to staff. Ask how this works across indoor and outdoor activities.
• Funding arrangements. Funded early education formed part of the December 2023 offer. How would funded hours and any additional charges fit your intended attendance?

The Manor Nursery School suits families who value practical play, conversation and communication between home and nursery. Its December 2023 examples make those priorities tangible. For parents weighing outdoor learning heavily, the teaching beyond the indoor rooms deserves particular attention during a visit.