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First Friends Nursery and Pre-School

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2023)
·Belle Vue Primary School, Beaver Road, CARLISLE, CA2 7PT · Cumberland
Number of places
26 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2023
Local authority
Cumberland

About this day nursery

First Friends Nursery and Pre-School provides a secure and stimulating environment where children learn through play. The nursery focuses on high-quality education for children primarily below statutory school age, working within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

They adopt a collaborative approach, actively partnering with parents to support each child's learning and development journey. The nursery emphasises individualised attention through a Key Person system, ensuring that each child's needs and interests are met while building upon their existing knowledge and abilities.

They are deeply integrated into their local community and foster strong ties with Belle Vue Primary School, though they operate independently. The setting aims to offer a service that promotes equality and values diversity, encouraging parental involvement in various aspects of nursery life, from contributing to progress checks to helping with activities and management.

They welcome parents to engage actively and build connections with other families.

Our ethos

First Friends Nursery and Pre-School operates within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, fostering learning through play in a secure and stimulating environment. They prioritise a collaborative partnership with parents, employing a Key Person system to ensure individualised attention that meets each child's unique needs and interests. The nursery is committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity, actively encouraging parental and community involvement.

What it's like

Children are extremely happy and settled in this welcoming setting, and willingly follow routines. Staff are excellent role models who are patient and value all children. Staff are passionate about providing a rich curriculum and inspiring children's imagination and curiosity.

Learning through PlayEYFS CurriculumKey Person SystemCommunity-basedStrong Parental Involvement

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

8.30am-11.30am & 12.30pm-3.30pm TERM TIMES

Session types

Morning Session, Afternoon Session, Lunch Time Care

Age range

2 1/2 and 4

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for First Friends Nursery and Pre-School

Last inspected 26 April 2023

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 are extremely happy and settled in this welcoming setting, and willingly follow routines. Staff are excellent role models who are patient and value all children. Staff are passionate about providing a rich curriculum and inspiring children's imagination and curiosity.

Inspector highlights

  • Partnership with parents is good, and they are highly complementary about the "amazing, well-established" staff team who constantly go "above and beyond".
  • The manager is passionate about what children need to learn, and staff clearly know what key children can do, providing an engaging environment.
  • Care practices are good, with staff regularly talking to children about how to keep safe and healthy.
  • Children are exposed to early maths vocabulary during everyday activities.
  • Children have opportunities to be independent and confident explorers.

Areas to develop

  • 1consider the planning of large group activities to ensure that all children achieve the most from their learning experiences
  • 2further strengthen staff understanding of the importance of children using their self-help skills at every opportunity, to develop their independence.
Inspection #10279796 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The support in place for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is excellent. The special educational needs coordinator and manager work closely with other professionals to ensure that children with SEND receive tailored support for their individual needs. Children with SEND flourish and make good progress from their starting points.

Outdoor space

Children are free to explore and assess their own risks during play. Staff complete regular risk assessments to ensure that the environment is safe, and children are well supervised, indoors and outdoors.

Inspection history

Date: July 2011

  • April 2023Good
  • September 2017Good
  • June 2014Good
  • July 2011Good

Frequently asked about First Friends Nursery and Pre-School

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