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Downham Pre School

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2025)
·Main Street, Downham, Clitheroe, BB7 4BN · Lancashire
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2025
Local authority
Lancashire

About this day nursery

Downham Pre-School, located on Main Street in Downham, Clitheroe, provides sessional care for children aged 2 to 5 years. Operating from the original Downham School building, it offers a nurturing environment within the scenic Ribble Valley, featuring views towards Pendle.

The pre-school has two playrooms and a large, secure outdoor play area, promoting both indoor and outdoor learning experiences. It prides itself on having experienced and qualified staff who blend modern educational requirements with traditional values, fostering strong parent-key worker relationships.

As a registered charity, the pre-school is committed to providing a secure, safe, and friendly atmosphere where children can learn and play. Healthy, freshly prepared snacks are offered to the children.

The setting is open five days a week during term time and offers flexible session times to accommodate various family needs.

What it's like

Children arrive happy at this warm and welcoming nursery. Staff greet them with smiles and enthusiastically engage them in activities straight away. Children are happy to separate from their parents and carers and are keen to join their friends. Staff form good relationships with children and their families. They get to know children's interests and fascinations and use this information to plan enjoyable activities for them.

Registered CharityRural LocationExperienced StaffSecure Outdoor Play AreaHealthy Snacks

Pricing & funding

This pre-school charges based on hourly rates with separate age bands for children under and over three years old. Sessions include morning, morning with lunch, or full-day options. Invoices are advised termly, with flexible payment options and no additional hidden charges.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
  • Under 3s hourly rate£7.50 / hour
  • Under 3s Morning session£18.75 / session
  • Under 3s Morning and Lunch session£26.25 / session
  • Under 3s Full Day session£45 / day
  • Over 3s hourly rate£6.40 / hour

Good to know

  • Fees can be paid monthly, each half term, or in full for the whole term.
  • Fees remain payable when a child is taken on holiday during term time.
  • Fees are still payable for children attending school visits prior to starting school.
  • There are no additional charges on top of the standard fees.
  • Accepts 15 and 30 hours of government funding, Tax-Free Childcare, and Universal Credit.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 3:00pm (term time only)

Session types

Full Day (9:00am – 3:00pm), Morning (9:00am – 11:30am), Lunch (11:30am – 12:30pm), Afternoon (12:30pm – 3:00pm)

Age range

2 - 5 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Staff

5 qualified staff

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Downham Pre School

Last inspected 4 April 2025 · Shaun Wilson

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 arrive happy at this warm and welcoming nursery. Staff greet them with smiles and enthusiastically engage them in activities straight away. Children are happy to separate from their parents and carers and are keen to join their friends. Staff form good relationships with children and their families. They get to know children's interests and fascinations and use this information to plan enjoyable activities for them.

Inspector highlights

  • Children arrive happy and are keen to join their friends.
  • Children exhibit wonderful relationships with their peers, learning to be respectful of others and taking turns.
  • Staff plan a curriculum with engaging activities that capture children's interests and promote independence.
  • Children with SEND are supported well through close collaboration with parents and other professionals.
  • The setting operates a strong key-person system, fostering close relationships and supporting children's emotional well-being.

Areas to develop

  • 1support the professional development of all staff to continually raise the quality of education for children across the nursery and extend learning experiences further.
Inspection #10376296 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents report that staff work very effectively in partnership with them.

Parents note that staff working proactively with other professionals has helped to close any gaps that staff identified in children's learning.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff sequence learning effectively and adapt their planning to support those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This ensures that all children receive a broad and enjoyable curriculum that meets their development needs. Children with SEND are supported well. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to make certain that children receive the targeted support they need in a timely manner. This well-embedded practice ensures that information is shared and implemented to provide a consistent approach. This good practice creates the best possible outcomes for children with SEND.

Outdoor space

The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

Inspection history

Date: May 2019

  • April 2025Good
  • May 2019Outstanding

Frequently asked about Downham Pre School

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