Elms Private Day Nursery

Independent choices, neighbourhood outings and practical self-care characterised Elms Private Day Nursery at its February 2024 inspection. This Great Harwood setting has capacity for 29 children from birth to five; the experiences observed extended beyond the nursery itself.

At its February 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found that children made good progress and judged safeguarding effective. The main reservations concerned waiting between activities and the precision and pace of adults’ conversations with children.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care: play supports communication, physical development and growing independence. In February 2024, learning followed children’s interests and their next developmental steps, with both activities led by adults and opportunities for children to choose their play.

Babies practised moving and early speech; toddlers worked on sharing, turn-taking and managing emotions; older children developed self-care, recognised their names and experimented with marks. These were practical foundations for their next stage. A magnetic fishing game also challenged children’s coordination and persistence, with adults offering help rather than taking over.

In February 2024, outings frequently included woodland, parks, shops and care homes. Festivals and celebrations introduced children to other cultures. Outdoor play in different weather, alongside yoga and dance, brought movement into the day and connected learning with the wider world.

At the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that warm staff relationships helped children feel secure and that collaboration with other professionals supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. That combination matters: everyday care and additional support need to work together.

In February 2024, staff responded promptly to children’s needs, used gentle reminders about behaviour and worked with parents on approaches that could also be used at home. Praise recognised children’s effort as well as achievement. Meals were home-cooked, and conversations around food encouraged children to think about health.

The address is The Elms, Lowerfold Road, Great Harwood, Blackburn, BB6 7NS. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with an all-year opening schedule.

In February 2024, the annual timetable included a week’s closure in July and another at Christmas. These dated breaks matter when planning care across the year.

• Waiting between activities. In February 2024, some changes of activity left children waiting long enough to lose interest, affecting behaviour and interrupting learning. The organisation of these parts of the day was an improvement priority.
• Conversation needs breathing space. In February 2024, adults sometimes pronounced words incorrectly or moved to another question before children could answer. More accurate speech and longer response time were both improvement priorities.
• Planning attendance. The weekday opening window extends from early morning into the evening. At a visit, which booking pattern and annual closure dates would apply to your child?

Elms suits families seeking care across the working week. For parents who value children making choices, practising independence and exploring their community, its February 2024 inspection findings offer a positive dated assessment. The connection between practical learning and everyday relationships was a strength at that inspection, while the specific weaknesses around transitions and conversation deserve attention.