A “welcoming” nursery where staff ‘help children to learn good manners’ has retained its good rating from Ofsted.

Longshaw Nursery in Crosby Road, Blackburn, was visited by Ofsted on April 23, with a report into their findings published on May 21.

The nursery had last been visited in March 2019 where it received a good rating having previously been inadequate.

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Inspectors said the nursery had developed a “broad and balanced curriculum” which was aspirational and designed to meet the needs and interests of children.

They said across many areas of the curriculum staff are well trained in educating young children and in most areas staff use assessment information well to identify gaps in knowledge.

The report said: “Children settle quickly and are happy at this welcoming nursery school. The school is ambitious for children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

“Building children’s confidence and self-esteem is an important aspect of the school’s ambition for its children. Nurturing staff provide children with a range of learning opportunities that help to realise this. Many children, including those with SEND, achieve well.

“A range of visitors help children to learn about people who help us in society, for instance the fire brigade and the local dentist. The school prioritises specific activities that it wants children to take part in. For example, carving a pumpkin and making a birthday cake. These experiences extend children’s wider development.

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“In a small number of activities, staff are not clear about the important knowledge that they should teach children. In these activities, children do not learn as well as they could. The school should ensure that staff design and deliver learning activities which help children build on what they already know.”

The nursery is for children aged 2-5 and there are currently 96 children on its roll.

To read the report in full visit the Ofsted website.