Inskip Nursery

Pirate treasure became a counting exercise, while opera accompanied lunch: Inskip Nursery’s January 2023 daily life combined imaginative play with small touches that gave the day character. This Preston setting has capacity for 40 children, with a current age range of 24 to 60 months.

At its January 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. That is a dated assessment, rather than a description of today’s daily practice.

In January 2023, children chose their own activities in a spacious setting with plentiful resources. The nursery followed The Curiosity Approach, illustrated by children experimenting with scissors and different materials, moving from paper to feathers, foam and felt. Their interests gave activities room to develop.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children’s learning, development and care. Here, the January 2023 examples included counting during imaginary treasure hunts, adding another coin and connecting quantities with written numbers. Learning had a practical purpose within play.

Language also featured strongly that January. Expressive storytelling brought characters to life, conversations accompanied play, and weekly Spanish sessions introduced another language. Children practised physical skills through cycling, running and yoga. However, the grassed outdoor area needed fuller use to extend experiences of nature and imaginative play.

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that close work between staff and families supported children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and that settling and transitions worked effectively. Online updates and regular stay and play sessions gave parents ways to follow and share nursery life.

In January 2023, children practised independence by pouring drinks, managing coats and washing their hands. Adults discussed emotions through stories and asked children whom they could approach for help. Opera at lunchtime offered a calming backdrop.

Meals that January supported a healthy diet, and children’s allergy and medical requirements were accommodated. These are inspection-time observations.

The address is Unit 2 Nightjar Way, Higham Side Road, Inskip, Preston, PR4 0TF. Opening hours are 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the nursery closes for school holidays. This calendar matters for families whose work continues through those breaks.

• Outdoor learning. In January 2023, the grassed area was not used fully to extend learning. During a visit, ask how outdoor experiences have developed since then.
• Time to think. In January 2023, adults sometimes moved on before children had enough opportunity to answer questions. Ask how practitioners now allow children space to form and explain their ideas.
• Holiday cover. The term-time calendar includes closure during school holidays. Families needing care across the year will need arrangements for those breaks.

Inskip Nursery suits families seeking a term-time setting for children aged 24 to 60 months. Its January 2023 picture brings useful detail: exploratory materials, language activities, everyday independence and parent participation. The two teaching priorities give families concrete points to explore, while the holiday calendar is a clear practical consideration.