Greenhouse Farm Childrens Private Nursery

Home-grown vegetables, a nursery horse and rabbits give this Haslingden setting a clear farm character. In September 2024, children fed the animals with vegetables grown at the nursery, making care for living things a practical experience.

At its September 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, settled safely into learning. The strongest examples connected independence with hands-on activity, from serving vegetables to persevering with a den.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the September 2024 examples included stories, physical play and learning to manage feelings. These were experiences children could practise, rather than simply hear about.

In September 2024, familiar songs and stories supported communication, while older children recreated story scenes together. Den building encouraged persistence when materials became stuck. Younger children used low furniture to practise standing; older children worked on balance with wooden planks and tyres.

The forest school added outdoor learning about boundaries, equipment and fire safety. In September 2024, children learnt safe tool use before tackling more demanding risks. This gave responsibility a concrete meaning, alongside the care involved in feeding the horse and rabbits.

In September 2024, staff responded to babies' anxiety when an adult moved away, offering reassurance. Books using colour to explore emotions helped children discuss feelings, while conversations about different hair encouraged awareness of individuality.

Development updates and next steps were shared with parents in September 2024, giving families something specific to continue at home. Toothbrushing was also supported through work with parents, and conversations about food connected meals with where ingredients came from.

The September 2024 inspection identified two improvements: staff needed to use more precise language to extend vocabulary, and snack and meal routines needed better organisation because lengthy lunch waits left some younger children upset or disengaged. These concerns matter in everyday care, where conversation and comfortable routines should support participation.

In September 2024, leaders had also failed to notify the regulator about a new company director. This breached the framework, although it had no effect on children or the nursery's operation.

The address is Laund Lane, Haslingden, BB4 5UB.

In September 2024, the nursery operated on weekdays throughout the year, closing for bank holidays and a week at Christmas. Full day care was its service type. Children attending at that visit were aged 0 to 3; this describes the inspection cohort.

Government-funded childcare places and specific funding for disadvantaged children formed part of the September 2024 provision. That dated participation should be kept separate from a family's current funding arrangements.

• Everyday language. Vocabulary-building was a September 2024 improvement point. On a visit, ask how staff now name objects and extend children's conversations.
• Lunch routines. Younger children experienced difficult waits in September 2024. Ask how snacks and meals are organised now to keep children involved.
• Your attendance plan. The September 2024 offer included full day care and funded places. What current attendance and funding arrangement would fit your child's needs?

Greenhouse Farm suits families drawn to animal care and outdoor learning, with the September 2024 examples showing how these experiences supported practical independence. Its Good judgement sits alongside specific questions about language and mealtime organisation. Those daily details deserve as much attention as the farm setting itself.