Praise for Turncroft Nursery School after Ofsted visit

A ‘nurturing’ and ‘vibrant’ nursery school is celebrating having received a visit from Ofsted.

Turncroft Nursery School in Darwen is one of four nursery schools run by the council and was inspected in May 2025.

Ofsted stated that the nursery school had taken effective action to maintain the standards identified in the previous outstanding inspection in 2019.

The report said:

“Turncroft Nursery School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.

Children are happy at this nurturing and vibrant nursery school. They arrive each day, ready to enjoy rich learning opportunities that inspire their awe and wonder. Staff care for children greatly, which helps children to feel safe and secure.

The school has high expectations for children’s achievement. Children rise to these eagerly. Children have a thirst for knowledge and learn to become independent learners over time.

Children behave well. Children are confident and curious to speak with visitors. They learn about what makes them unique, including differences in peoples’ cultures and traditions.

Children benefit from meaningful experiences that enrich their understanding of the world around them.”

The Highfield Road nursery is over 70 years old and is described as a ‘calm and harmonious environment’.  

Councillor Julie Gunn, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

I’m very proud of Turncroft Nursery School. We know how difficult it is to consistently receive and maintain the previous standards that Ofsted set. This is a huge achievement. Well done and congratulations to all involved.

The report also said that ‘The school is tenacious in identifying the additional needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). These children receive timely and effective support, which enables them to learn well alongside their friends. Children with SEND follow the full span of learning and wider opportunities that the school provides.’

Headteacher Gayle Berry said:

I am a very proud headteacher. A huge thankyou to the wonderful children, staff, parents, governors and community for all that you do to support our wonderful nursery.

Since the result has been announced parents have been quick to add their own congratulations and praise. Saying things like:

• “Turncroft Nursery School is a fantastic setting for children to develop, learn and prepare for the next step in going to school.”
• “Such lovely caring well established staff too. You are amazing”.
• “Amazing news, all 5 of my children have attended Turncroft nursery school over the past 20 years. Fantastic nursery and staff. Well-deserved everyone”.
• “Always been outstanding. Cant wait for my little one to join in September! Well done you smashed it!”

Read the report in full:
https://www.turncroftnurseryschool.co.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=152&type=pdf