Nursery, Lea

Books, children's ideas and practical mathematics give Nursery, Lea its character. In January 2024, stories connected activities, families borrowed books from the nursery library, and children helped shape activity planning through a school council. These were concrete ways to extend learning beyond an adult-led activity.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 31 January 2024. The setting caters for children aged two to five, with 110 places in total, at Lea Cp School, Greavestown Lane, Preston PR2 1PD.

In January 2024, mathematics took a hands-on form: children repeatedly measured a toy lizard as it expanded in water. Familiar stories also provided starting points for new learning. Numbers and language were connected to things children could explore and remember.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the January 2024 examples included storytelling, measuring and practising independence, bringing learning into everyday activities.

Children also contributed artwork to a local art trail supporting charities. Their school council gave them a way to express preferences and influence activities. Both experiences connected participation with responsibility.

There was a clear qualification to the language work. In January 2024, older children had plentiful opportunities for conversation, but younger children were less engaged in larger-group teaching. Improving their opportunities to hear and use vocabulary was the specific development priority.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) well supported, with good progress from their starting points.

In January 2024, the special educational needs coordinator sought support and funding, and an additional staff member had joined specifically to help children with SEND. Calm staff interactions helped children settle, while sharing, turn-taking and strategies for more challenging behaviour supported group life.

The nursery library also offered parents books about toilet training and emotional health. Children discussed feelings and learnt peer massage as a calming technique. This connected emotional learning with practical support for families.

School preparation included dressing, self-care and managing meals. Staff worked with school colleagues on transition, giving children practical skills for the next stage.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas. In January 2024, nursery session times ran from 7.30am to 6pm, and funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

The nursery operated on the site of Lea Community Primary School in January 2024. Attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Younger children's language. Larger-group engagement was the January 2024 improvement priority. Ask how vocabulary activities now involve the youngest children.
• School-site setting. Transition work included independence skills and collaboration with school staff in January 2024. Keep the separate Reception application in your plans.

Nursery, Lea suits families seeking care for children aged two to five, with a January 2024 account built around books, practical learning and preparation for school. The library and children's involvement in planning give that account substance. Younger children's participation in group language activities is the clearest point to explore.