Leigh South Community Nursery

A firepit area, a lending library and British sign language gave Leigh South Community Nursery a recognisable character in March 2023. Based at Albert Tattom Community Centre in Leigh, it has capacity for 15 children. At its March 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received good support.

The children attending then were aged two to four. This is an inspection-era picture of a small, sessional setting, with practical independence and outdoor exploration prominent in its day.

In March 2023, outdoor learning included den building, planting flowers and exploring sand and mud. The firepit area gave children a place to learn about fire safety, while staff helped them judge risks. Farm visits and trips by bus to large parks extended experiences beyond the nursery.

British sign language introduced new signs each week, helping children explore differences and similarities between people. The lending library supported an interest in books. These were concrete additions to the early years foundation stage, the required framework for children's learning, development and care: here, its everyday expression included exploring numbers, making marks, forming letters and developing language through songs and conversation.

In March 2023, children had close relationships with their key persons. Staff helped them talk through disagreements and manage their emotions, rather than simply stopping conflicts. Pouring drinks, disposing of used tissues and helping sweep the floor gave children small responsibilities they could practise themselves.

Home visits helped staff get to know children and their families. Stay-and-play sessions gave parents opportunities to learn ways of supporting development at home. For children needing additional support, staff worked with outside agencies and used visual prompts to explain what would happen next while referrals were being processed.

The nursery's address is Albert Tattom Community Centre, Hope Carr Road, Leigh, WN7 3ET.

In March 2023, attendance ran on weekdays in term time: morning sessions were 9am to midday, afternoon sessions midday to 3pm, and full days 9am to 3pm. Funded early education then covered children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe that period.

• Joining now. For a visit, how do today's attendance patterns and funded-hour arrangements compare with the March 2023 morning, afternoon and full-day options?
• Participation in group learning. In March 2023, some group activities did not sufficiently include children needing help with listening and attention. This matters for families whose child benefits from more individually adapted activities.
• Staff development. In March 2023, training needed more precise targeting to strengthen teaching further. The development of staff practice was an improvement priority alongside participation in group activities.

The March 2023 picture suits families who value outdoor exploration, practical independence and close key-person relationships. Its attendance model then accommodated both shorter morning or afternoon sessions and a full day. The Good judgement provides a positive dated assessment, balanced by specific work needed on group participation and staff development.