‘Caring’ staff praised at ‘outstanding’ nursery
OFSTED have hailed staff at an “exceptionally caring nursery” and rated them ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.
Inspectors said that Footprints Day Nursery, which opened on Cumberland Street in 2002, helped make children “extremely happy, confident and independent”.
Staff were highly praised for their relationships with children and families, as well as their attention to families and children with additional needs.
The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all found to be ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted following the November inspection.
Manager Hayley Smith has been with the company since 2009 and both her children also attended the nursery. She said: “Our Ofsted report clearly shows that we have happy children who enjoy learning and love coming to Footprints every day.
“Our committed staff take the time and effort to get to know every child and family in their care to ensure their needs are met. I am pleased that is reflected in how children excel during their time with us.”
The inspectorate praised Footprints for providing ‘holistic care to the whole family’ and said that children consistently follow the nursery’s rules.
Ofsted said: “Staff know families well and relationships between children, staff and parents are a key factor in the success of this exceptionally caring nursery. For example, staff are aware that it is difficult for some families to access computers at home. To address this, they support parents to use a designated computer in nursery.”
They added: “Children are extremely happy, confident and independent in social situations. For instance, at mealtimes, they choose what they would like to eat from written menus.”
Staff were also praised for supporting children with additional needs “extremely effectively”, allowing them to fully access the curriculum, and by helping all children continue to improve their vocabulary.
Older children are also encouraged to learn Spanish and external teachers visit the nursery to take exercise sessions and promote healthy eating.
Inspectors said: “Managers are passionate in their drive to provide the best possible learning experiences and outcomes for all children. There are highly effective processes in place to support staff to continue to enhance the quality of their excellent teaching.”
The report is the latest in a number of achievements for the company, which also has a branch in Bollington, after it won Top 10 Nursery Awards in 2018 and 2019.
Margaret Huntington founded Footprints Day Nursery in 1998 at the age of 62 and though she sadly passed away last year, she was awarded a posthumous lifetime achievement honour at the National NMT Nursery Awards in 2018.
Claire Huntington, Operations Director and Margaret’s daughter, added: “We are incredibly proud of the nursery and the staff for being awarded Outstanding for the second time. The
“Footprints team continues my mother’s dedication and passion for childcare, and we will continue to help make a difference to children’s lives.”