A pre-school in Lostock which provides a "nurturing and engaging environment" for youngsters has been praised by the education watchdog.

Lostock Playschool at Lostock Parish Centre on Tempest Road provides daycare for children aged between two and four.

It has been rated as “good” by regulator Ofsted since November 2011 and has kept its positive score after a recent visit.

In a visit in September, Ofsted inspector Danielle Kelly had plenty of praise for the provision.

Ms Kelly described how staff provide a “nurturing and engaging environment” that “fosters children’s current interests”.

Staff understood the individual needs of children in their care, the report found.

For example, on the rare occasion when a child is feeling sad, staff offer a “reassuring cuddle and support them in their play” to help children settle quickly.

(Image: Google Maps)

The staff form “strong bonds” with children through their “positive and warm” interactions with them.

Ms Kelly noted that “children beam with big smiles” as they place their picture on the "welcome tree" and assist their friends struggling to do so.

Staff set “high expectations” for children and offer a curriculum that gives them ample opportunities to develop their physical skills.

All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make good progress in their learning.

The staff were also praised for “encouraging children to develop healthy lifestyles” by offering them a choice of fresh fruit, crumpets and a drink of water or milk at snack time.

Children were observed “chopping their fruit and spreading the butter onto their own crumpet” displaying “good levels of growing independence".

As for parent involvement, the inspector said staff provide parents with “regular opportunities to meet with their child’s key person” and keep parents up to date with their child’s development.

Ms Kelly said the leadership team offers “lots of praise” which boosts children’s self-esteem and helps them to become motivated learners. Staff support children when they find new tasks difficult.

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Staff are passionate about supporting children with SEND and work alongside both parents and external professionals to ensure that children receive the correct support.

Staff are aware of children’s individual needs, meaning that the “gaps in children’s learning quickly close and that children with SEND make good progress from their starting points".

However, the inspector did mention that there were “some inconsistencies” in how the curriculum is implemented.

On some occasions, staff also “provide too many expectations of children”. For instance, children are sat for long periods of time during group time and are then asked to line up in pairs to go outside.

During these times, children become distracted and lose focus in their learning.

To improve, Ofsted advises that staff should “strengthen the implementation of the curriculum at all times” to “consistently support children’s engagement in learning".

Got a story? Email me Leah.collins@newsquest.co.uk