Parsons Walk Nursery

In February 2025, wooden logs, garden ramps and children choosing the next story gave Parsons Walk Nursery a clear character: play, conversation and growing independence. At its February 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), made good progress.

The Wigan setting accepts children aged 3 to 60 months. In February 2025, positive relationships sat alongside two priorities: stronger support for managers and clearer healthy-eating messages.

The early years foundation stage brings learning, development and care together; here, the February 2025 examples included storytelling, exploratory play and practical tasks. Children’s interests shaped the resources: a market visit prompted car-themed activities, giving staff a way to build on something children already wanted to explore.

In February 2025, younger children shared rhymes with adults, while older children voted on stories, including A Squash and a Squeeze. Choosing a book gave them a voice as well as opportunities to develop vocabulary. Outside, balancing on wooden logs and travelling down ramps offered practice in coordination and judging risk, with staff helping children use the equipment safely.

At the February 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that staff supported children with SEND to settle at their own pace and worked with families and external professionals to address learning needs. Information from parents helped staff understand each child’s starting point.

In February 2025, well-being week included pyjamas and toddler foot massages, making feelings and relaxation part of nursery life. Children also practised independence by serving food and clearing their plates. Healthy snacks and handwashing featured, but messages about nutritious packed lunches needed greater consistency.

Support for those managing the provision also needed strengthening. Coaching, training and supervision arrangements were still developing in February 2025, making leadership support a relevant consideration alongside the positive account of children’s experiences.

The address is 33 Parsons Walk, Wigan, WN1 1RU. Opening hours are 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank-holiday closures.

In February 2025, the nursery offered government-funded childcare. That inspection-era offer is separate from the current opening arrangements above.

• Management support. Coaching and training for managers needed strengthening in February 2025. At a visit, ask how that support now works.
• Packed lunches. Healthy-eating messages needed more consistency in February 2025. Discuss how lunch expectations are explained to families.
• Attendance and costs. How would your intended attendance pattern work, including funded hours, meals and consumables?

Parsons Walk suits families who value child-led play, shared stories and practical independence. The February 2025 picture was positive, with garden challenges and responsive support giving the daily experiences substance. Its weekday opening window is useful for families whose childcare needs fit those hours; management development and healthy-eating communication deserve attention when deciding.