Roose Nursery

A yurt for yoga, an orchard for picking fruit and a running track give Roose Nursery a recognisable character. At its March 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, with strong teaching and a clear emphasis on children's language development. Those outdoor experiences were part of that inspection-time picture, rather than simply a backdrop to indoor learning.

Roose Nursery has capacity for 61 children and is based at Roose School, North Row, Barrow-in-Furness, LA13 0HF. In March 2022, the children attending were aged 0 to 4.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, conversation and practical experiences build their skills. In March 2022, language ran through everyday activities. Babies named objects and joined related songs, while older children explored descriptive words in conversation. Snack time also became an opportunity to connect food names with their starting sounds.

Physical activity had several forms in March 2022. Weekly yoga sessions took place in the yurt, and the one mile per day challenge involved running around the track. Children discussed how exercise affected their bodies, connecting movement with an understanding of health.

The orchard supplied fruit for Gruffalo crumble, linking cooking with familiar stories. Outings in March 2022 included a local castle, a nature trail and an allotment. These experiences gave children things to handle, places to explore and subjects to talk about beyond the nursery.

In March 2022, home visits helped children build a relationship with their key person before settling into nursery life. Adults supported children through changes by explaining the next activity, making transitions more predictable.

At the March 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised the way staff worked with families and professionals to secure early support, including help for children managing their behaviour. The practical detail matters: support was shaped around individual children rather than treated as a single solution.

During March 2022, a link health visitor worked with staff to advise families on weaning, dental care and sleep routines. School preparation also involved shared assemblies and games with school teachers, including wheelchair basketball, giving children opportunities to form friendships and explore respect for others.

In March 2022, opening hours were 7am to 5.30pm from Monday to Thursday, with Friday closing at 3.30pm. The nursery operated throughout the year apart from a two-week Christmas closure. These are dated opening hours, rather than a description of bookable sessions.

Funded early education in March 2022 covered children aged two, three and four. The nursery operated within the grounds of Roose Community Primary School. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• The present attendance plan. The March 2022 pattern included an earlier Friday finish: what current sessions, funded arrangements and associated charges would fit your child's week?
• School-site expectations. Shared assemblies and teacher-led games featured in March 2022. They supported familiarity with school life, but families must make a separate Reception application.

Roose Nursery merits consideration for families who value language-rich play and practical outdoor experiences. Its March 2022 picture combined songs and conversation with yoga, fruit picking and community outings. The Outstanding judgement gives that dated account weight; the school setting also brings a clear need to distinguish nursery attendance from Reception admission.