High Meadow Nursery

A story chosen by children, beans planted and their possible growth discussed, and mathematics worked into everyday activities: High Meadow Nursery’s August 2022 daily life gave children practical ways to explore language and ideas. Its base is The Royal Bolton Hospital in Farnworth.

At the 24 August 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective. The nursery has capacity for 80 children, with an accepted age range of 0 to 59 months. The inspection’s strongest practical detail concerns communication and relationships, alongside two clear improvement priorities.

The early years foundation stage covers children’s learning, development and care. In August 2022, children practised language through songs and stories, explored fractions through cutting, and learnt to recognise and manage feelings.

In August 2022, younger children used songs, actions and stories to practise language. Older children voted for a story of the month, which then shaped learning activities. This gave their choices a role in what happened next. Planting beans supplied another starting point for conversation, as children discussed how large they might grow.

Mathematics also had a practical setting that August: cutting introduced fractions, while staff used words about quantities during activities. Preschool children received challenges to extend their knowledge. In the toddler room, however, information gathered about children did not consistently lead to sufficiently challenging activities. Families weighing provision for this age group should give that distinction attention.

In August 2022, babies received cuddles and reassurance during separation from parents. Staff used mindfulness activities, relaxation and affirmations to help children recognise feelings and practise calming themselves. These were concrete approaches to handling emotions, rather than simply expecting children to manage them.

Daily whiteboards shared children’s experiences with parents that month, providing a visible account of the day. Staff also gathered information from home to inform activities, although its use varied across the nursery.

Professional development was another August 2022 improvement priority. Staff observations and supervision took place, but training needs and individual development targets needed clearer definition. That matters because useful feedback should translate into specific changes in practice.

The address is The Royal Bolton Hospital, Minerva Road, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 0JR. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, excluding bank holidays.

In August 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. That is a dated account of participation, rather than a statement of current funding terms.

• Toddler learning. In August 2022, activities did not consistently make full use of information about individual children. During a visit, ask how interests shared from home now lead to more challenging toddler activities.
• Staff development. The August 2022 priorities included clearer training needs and development targets. Discuss how supervision now helps staff improve their day-to-day practice.

High Meadow Nursery suits families seeking care for babies through to children aged 59 months, with weekday opening across the year. Its August 2022 strengths included child-selected stories, practical mathematics and emotional support. The balance is important: the Good judgement sits alongside specific questions about toddler learning and staff development.