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Briar Dene Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Sept 2025)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews)
·2 Fulwood Avenue, Tarleton, Preston, PR4 6RP · Lancashire
Number of places
20 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2025
Local authority
Lancashire

About this day nursery

Briar Dene Childcare, established in 1955, is an independent, family-run nursery, preschool, and holiday club located in Tarleton, Preston. It aims to provide a nurturing and creative environment for children aged 2-5 years, fostering a love for learning from their early stages.

The nursery prides itself on its experienced and highly qualified staff, who are dedicated to creating engaging learning activities tailored to each child’s interests. Briar Dene maintains a homely atmosphere with excellent facilities, including a unique and exciting outdoor play area.

The nursery welcomes children into learning groups designed to build confidence and understanding of community, and it organises various outings to local attractions such as Windmill Farm. Briar Dene operates year-round, offering flexible childcare solutions.

The nursery employs a communication platform called "Family" to keep parents informed of their child's progress and activities, ensuring an open dialogue between staff and families. They are also Ofsted registered and committed to continuous improvement, evidenced by their ongoing staff training in areas such as Paediatric First Aid, Food & Hygiene, and Safeguarding Children.

Additionally, Briar Dene offers weekly swimming sessions for children aged 3 and above and a half-term holiday club for children aged 2-11.

What it's like

Children happily attend Briar Dene Nursery, forming strong relationships with staff and confidently navigating their daily routine. Staff effectively manage children's behaviour and emotions, fostering a secure and emotionally well-being environment. The curriculum is broad and engaging, supporting children's progress, especially in communication and language development through songs, rhymes, and new vocabulary.

Family-run nurseryEstablished in 1955Highly qualified staffHomely environmentOutdoor play areaWeekly swim sessions

Key facts

Age range

2-5 years (nursery), 2-11 years (holiday club)

Opening hours

Monday-Friday, 7.30 am – 6.00 pm

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Briar Dene Nursery

Last inspected 22 September 2025

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children happily attend Briar Dene Nursery, forming strong relationships with staff and confidently navigating their daily routine. Staff effectively manage children's behaviour and emotions, fostering a secure and emotionally well-being environment. The curriculum is broad and engaging, supporting children's progress, especially in communication and language development through songs, rhymes, and new vocabulary.

Inspector highlights

  • Children run happily into the nursery, separating from parents with ease.
  • Staff introduce new words, such as 'spikey', 'smooth' and 'crunchy', to help describe items from the autumnal exploration tray.
  • Children demonstrate good physical skills and strength.
  • Leaders plan outings, such as bus rides and visits to the shops to buy groceries, to narrow these gaps in experiences.
  • Staff are happy and feel supported in their roles.

Areas to develop

  • 1strengthen the sequencing of the curriculum for whole group activities to help all children learn new skills in the correct order
  • 2provide parents with more precise feedback on children's next steps and how they can support learning at home
  • 3build on the programme of professional development to enhance staff knowledge and provide more consistency in the quality of education.
Inspection #10413897 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Leaders make timely referrals to outside agencies to ensure children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive the professional help they need. Children with SEND make progress from their individual starting points.

Outdoor space

Children are eager to be in the outdoor area and access a range of equipment and experiences that promote their physical health and well-being. They use the climbing equipment, such as ladder steps, with ease, use the balance bike confidently and navigate a narrow beam skilfully.

Parent Reviews of Briar Dene Nursery

5.0
(2)
Matthew Burns
8 years ago

We couldn't be happier with the care our daughter receives. She loves the 3 days a week she gets to spend with Ann and her team. The new weekend places are going to be very useful for our family. Thank you Briar Dene!

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Leah Birkbeck
7 years ago

Fantastic nursery, my little boy loves all the staff, i can go to work with complete peace of mind

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Briar Dene Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2025

Date: September 2019

  • September 2025Good
  • June 2025Inadequate
  • September 2019Good

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