Bowland Preschool

About this day nursery

Bowland Preschool, located at St. James C Of E Primary School in Clitheroe, offers a stimulating and adventurous early years environment for children aged 2 to 4 years. The setting, independently run and established in 2017, focuses on fostering independence, respect, and real-world learning.

Staff create a lively atmosphere, encouraging children to be prepared for outdoor adventures from the moment they arrive. A significant strength of the curriculum is its emphasis on outdoor learning, where children are exposed to challenge, risk, and problem-solving, building resilience and physical skills.

The preschool also prioritises language and communication development, engaging children in rich conversations, expanding vocabulary, and planning engaging story and singing sessions to encourage confident expression. Routines are well-established, helping children settle quickly and build confidence, while real-world experiences, such as observing garden tool use and exploring nature reserves, make learning meaningful and foster curiosity.

Mathematics is woven into daily activities, connecting counting and number recognition to real life. The preschool consistently sets high expectations for independence, preparing children for school through tasks like managing belongings and contributing to tidying.

Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum, aiming for high-quality teaching and care for every child, and safeguarding arrangements are effective, with an open and positive culture.

Our ethos

Bowland Preschool's ethos is built on fostering independence, respect, and real-world learning within a stimulating and adventurous environment. They prioritise outdoor learning, embracing challenge, risk, and problem-solving to build resilience. Language, communication, and meaningful, curiosity-driven experiences are central to their approach, preparing children for school with high expectations for self-reliance.

What it's like

Staff foster a lively and adventurous environment that prioritises children's independence, respect, and real-world learning. They encourage children to be ready for outdoor activities and take responsibility for their belongings, helping them join routines with confidence. Children become confident communicators, expressing ideas clearly and responding thoughtfully to others.