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Sandcastles Nursery and Beach School

Ofsted: Good
(Jan 2025)
·
5.0(10 Google reviews) ·425 Marine Road East, Morecambe, LA4 6AA · Lancashire
Number of places
42 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2025
Local authority
Lancashire

About this day nursery

Sandcastles Nursery and Beach School, registered in 2014 and located in Morecambe, Lancashire, is a childcare on non-domestic premises setting offering full day care for children aged 2 to 4. 45pm.

The dedicated team of 11 childcare staff, all qualified to at least Level 3, including a manager with early years professional status, ensures a loving and caring environment where children thrive. The day nursery has a unique "beach school" curriculum, offering weekly sessions where children learn about the natural coastal environment, including various textures, safety, and environmental protection.

This approach, alongside a strong focus on early language development and exposure to fundamental British values, helps children form strong foundations for learning and a sense of pride in their community. The provision of government-funded places further supports accessibility for families.

What it's like

Children thrive in this loving and caring environment, forming close bonds with their key workers and enjoying their time at the nursery. Staff provide children with an array of opportunities tailored to individual needs and interests, helping them develop strong foundations for learning and a sense of pride in their community. Children develop high levels of self-esteem and enthusiastically explore the learning environment. Even the newest children settle quickly, demonstrating feelings of security with staff members.

Beach schoolStrong foundationsEarly languageCommunity pride

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 5.45pm.

Term time / All Year

All_year

Registered with Ofsted

2014

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Sandcastles Nursery and Beach School

Last inspected 24 January 2025

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children thrive in this loving and caring environment, forming close bonds with their key workers and enjoying their time at the nursery. Staff provide children with an array of opportunities tailored to individual needs and interests, helping them develop strong foundations for learning and a sense of pride in their community. Children develop high levels of self-esteem and enthusiastically explore the learning environment. Even the newest children settle quickly, demonstrating feelings of security with staff members.

Inspector highlights

  • Children thrive in a loving and caring environment, forming close bonds with key workers.
  • Staff provide tailored opportunities and have high ambitions for children's achievements.
  • Children develop high levels of self-esteem and demonstrate pride in carrying out tasks intrinsically.
  • Leaders ensure consistent support with an allocated key member of staff for each child.
  • The curriculum provides children with knowledge and skills for school and beyond, considering interests and next steps.
  • Children's early language development is well supported through modelling and new vocabulary introduction.
  • Leaders are highly reflective and passionate, prioritising staff well-being and offering regular training.
  • Children are developing a love of books and reading, selecting books independently and enjoying story times.
  • Staff promote fundamental British values and enrich experiences through community visits and extra-curricular activities.

Areas to develop

  • 1Extend children's language and thinking skills by using more effective techniques while they play.
Inspection #10367353 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The support that staff give children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength of the nursery. Staff skilfully use information and observations to identify gaps in learning early and use effective plans to support children, ensuring all children have equal access and their needs are met effectively.

Outdoor space

Leaders passionately provide a "beach school" curriculum on a weekly basis, where children learn about real-life objects such as seaweed, pebbles, and sand, and how to keep safe at the coast while protecting the environment.

Google Reviews of Sandcastles Nursery and Beach School

5.0
(10 Google reviews)
Amy Smith
a year ago

Our son has just started at Sandcastles and we couldn’t be more delighted. The fantastic feel we got when we first walked through the doors said it all. Every member of staff we have encountered so far has been so welcoming, accommodating and personable. Our son has so much fun whilst he’s at nursery and is already making progress. We think Sandcastles is wonderful and love the child centred, supportive ethos that is so apparent at this nursery.

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Josie Thompson
a year ago

My daughter loves it at this nursery. The staff are so kind and caring. The personal development opportunities are fantastic with all the clubs they offer, my daughter loves getting mucky and exploring the outdoors at gardening club. Communication is really good. I didn't expect parents evenings at nursery but it's really nice to have these for learning about your child's progress. I also really liked the transition to 'the big end' it was so thorough and well thought out.

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Rebecca Cronin
a year ago

We love Sandcastles! Our second child is there now after our first attending a few years ago. It is a fantastic nursery, very well run, the staff are all fantastic and our daughter has an amazing time there! She has made wonderful progress during her time there so far and I’m sure she will continue to thrive as she attends.

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Niamh Browne
a year ago

Sandcastles is an absolute gem of a nursery… I can highly recommended it! The staff are amazing and really care for the children. I can relax knowing my daughter is safe, happy and well looked after whilst I’m at work. They go above and beyond just caring for the children, they make everyday exciting and she can’t wait to tell me stories about her day when I collect her. The communication between parents and nursery is great, with regular updates and photos, and individual needs are always listened to. I’m so glad we chose Sandcastles!

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Jake Jackson
a year ago

We couldn’t be happier with the care and attention our boys, Jesse and Kit, receive at Sandcastles Nursery. Every single staff member seems perfectly suited to their role, bringing so much warmth, dedication, and expertise to the children in their care. The range of play activities is incredible, and the attention to detail in nurturing the development of each child is truly remarkable. What really stands out is the effort the team puts into improving the wellbeing and growth of the kids—not just on a daily basis but with a genuine focus on long-term development. The extra-curricular activities involving parents and families highlight how much they care about the bigger picture, creating a supportive community that gives every child the best possible start in life. We’d like to give a special mention to Cathrine and Anna, who have been Jesse and Kit’s keyworkers. They’ve done an amazing job keeping us informed and offering invaluable advice on meeting the boys’ needs. That said, the entire team at Sandcastles deserves recognition—you’re all fantastic. Thank you for the tremendous work you do. We’re so grateful! With heartfelt thanks, Jake, Elena, Jesse, and Kit x

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Sandcastles Nursery and Beach School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: March 2016

  • January 2025Good
  • February 2019Good
  • March 2016Good

Frequently asked about Sandcastles Nursery and Beach School

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