Woodlands Day Nursery

Play dough for toddlers and syllable recognition for preschool children give Woodlands Day Nursery’s April 2022 picture its character: practical exploration alongside early language and number work. At its 27 April 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and judged that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, were progressing well.

The nursery is on Carr Lane in Chorley, PR7 3JU, and accepts children from four months to five years. Its inspection account offers useful detail about everyday care, with two clear points for improvement: outdoor planning and the organisation of larger group activities.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children’s learning, development and care. In everyday terms, it connects play with learning to communicate, manage personal needs and build early skills.

In April 2022, toddlers explored colour and texture while making play dough. Preschool children identified syllables in their names and tackled simple maths. Staff used information about children’s existing abilities to decide what to teach next, giving activities a purpose beyond keeping children occupied.

Language threaded through that day. Adults repeated new words with younger children and talked about their play; older children had time to consider questions before answering. Resources were arranged so children could choose activities independently, allowing their interests to shape some of their learning.

Outdoor play was daily in April 2022. A slide and small climbing frame supported balance and coordination, while older children used wheeled toys and played running games. However, outdoor activities received less detailed planning than indoor learning, and some larger group sessions lost children’s attention. Those weaknesses matter for children who learn best through movement or need a smaller gathering to participate.

In April 2022, familiar adults helped babies settle through the key-person system. Staff encouraged children to try tasks before stepping in: handwashing, serving food and tidying after meals became opportunities to practise independence.

Children also received consistent reminders about sharing, taking turns and listening. These made expectations understandable while they learnt to play together.

Meals were balanced and nutritious in April 2022, and conversations at the table connected food choices with health. Staff meetings, training and observations of colleagues gave practitioners opportunities to reflect on their work.

Woodlands Day Nursery’s address is Carr Lane, Chorley, PR7 3JU. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with bank holidays closed. That window gives parents a concrete starting point for matching childcare with work commitments.

In April 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is an inspection-time account of funding participation.

• Outdoor learning. In April 2022, planning outdoors needed greater purpose. Families whose children favour outdoor activity should weigh this improvement point alongside the daily physical play described at that time.
• Group participation. Some larger gatherings in April 2022 left children distracted or less involved. This matters for a child who finds whole-group activities difficult.
• Settling a younger baby. The nursery accepts children from four months, and familiar key people supported babies in April 2022. How would settling and continuity of care work for your baby now?

Woodlands merits consideration for families seeking weekday care across the year. Its April 2022 strengths lay in familiar adult relationships, language-rich play and everyday independence. The Good judgement sits alongside specific weaknesses in outdoor planning and group participation, making those useful decision points rather than reasons to overlook the detail of children’s day.