A nursery school in Burnley has retained its ‘outstanding’ rating but Ofsted says it “might not be as high” at the next inspection.

Taywood Nursery in Accrington Road, Burnley, holds the top Ofsted rating, however there have been changes in leadership and staffing in the school since the previous inspection.

Inspectors said if a full inspection had been carried out, the outstanding rating may not have continued based on current performance.

Ofsted found children are happy at the school and are excited and curious about what they are learning.

Leaders have high expectations for the children’s learning and behaviour, but the report noted staff haven’t had the full support needed to deliver the new curriculum.

The report states: “In most areas of the curriculum, staff choose appropriate activities that help children to follow the curriculum well and encourage children to play, explore and be creative.

“They check what children know, can do and what they can remember. Staff use this information to shape future teaching and activity choices.

“Nevertheless, in some areas of the curriculum, staff do not deliver the curriculum consistently well. This means that some children do not engage with their learning as well as they could in some activities.”

Inspectors highlighted leaders have established an effective phonics curriculum which helps to prepare the pupils for the Reception year.  

Leaders have also developed a programme to help the children develop a sense of “independence, respect and responsibility.”

Children enjoy the gardening project at the community farm where they have planted fruit trees and eaten the vegetables they have grown themselves.

The inspectors also praised the nursery for its commitment to supporting children and helping them through challenging moments.

The report continues: “Most children behave well. They are articulate and can clearly voice their needs and emotions.

"They play happily together and engage with each other and with staff in a positive way.

“Children understand what is expected of their behaviour. Some children struggle to recognise and express their feelings in an appropriate manner.

"These children can become frustrated, and their behaviour can sometimes disrupt learning.

“Staff are adept at supporting these children so that they learn to manage their own behaviour.”

Staff have also supported each other well during the challenging changes in leadership and staffing.

The report says: “While there has been some impact on staff’s workload and well-being, leaders have more recently endeavoured to take steps to reduce some of the burdens on staff.”

This is the second ungraded inspection Taywood Nursery has received since Ofsted judged the school to be outstanding in January 2013 at its most recent full inspection.