Ofsted

All day nurseries and schools are inspected by Ofsted to ensure that at the very least they come up to scratch. You’ll be pleased to hear that actually we are a little better than that and that the Ofsted inspectors have had lots of lovely things to say about our nurseries over the years.

Inspection reports can be read in full at www.ofsted.gov.uk but here is a selection of quotes from the most recent reports at each site.

“The provision is good. Children enjoy a well planned day that takes good account of their developmental needs. There are clear routines, which they understand. This gives a framework to their day and provides a sense of security. It enables them to separate easily from their parents in the morning and settle to purposeful play. They contribute to tidy away time and then settle to their snack without becoming upset. Activities are frequently changed and are well paced, taking account of their shorter attention spans. The environment is organised so that toddlers become increasingly independent. They help themselves to books and sit on the cushions to read them or help themselves to boxes with additional materials stored around the room. Babies individual routines are given high regard so that they sleep when ready and are fed at times best suited to them. They enjoy a wide range of sensory toys and creative play, such as cornflour on a tray. This stimulates their sense of curiosity and fosters hand-eye coordination. The young children benefit from the good interaction with their carers who play alongside them and encourage their verbal skills from a very young age.”

“The quality of teaching and children's learning are good. The staff have a secure knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum guidance and work effectively as a team to deliver a broad, stimulating and purposeful range of activities. A good variety of learning strategies are employed. Staff routinely introduce new language to children as they read books or talk about activities, such as planting bulbs in the garden for spring. They use appropriate questioning techniques to encourage children's thinking and problem solving skills. For example, a child working to match a number with a corresponding number rod is asked 'is that the right rod, how do you know?'. “

“Children behave well due to the consistent, positive strategies that staff throughout the nursery employ to help them understand right from wrong and how to get along with others. Staff use respectful language with children and are good role models. Hence, the children are polite and considerate to their peers and carers. Older children take turns in speaking during circle time and listen to each other and toddlers help staff to tidy away before lunch. Strategies are varied according to children's developmental stage so that expectations are gently built on.”

“The organisation is good. Children's development and well being is promoted effectively as a result of the appropriate systems being in place to ensure that staff have the commensurate skills and are suitable for their post. Managers use appraisals to identify training needs so that staff develop and update their skills and children benefit from being cared for by motivated adults.”