Sunflowers pick up plaudits for inclusivity
A NURSERY has been praised for providing an “inclusive environment” in its latest Ofsted report.
An inspection at Sunflowers Nurseries rated the facility ‘Good’ in all areas - effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, and outcomes for children.
The Platting Lane nursery has 78 children on its books, aged between 1-4, with 14 members of staff.
Ofsted’s report said that managers monitor the progress of individual children to help narrow any gaps in their learning - particularly through their adept use of additional funding.
They added: “The quality of teaching is good and at times it is better than good. Staff know children very well. They seek comprehensive information from parents when children first start, such as children’s likes and dislikes, to inform their initial planning.
“Staff make accurate assessments of children’s progress and use children’s interests to help them plan for future learning experiences.”
Employees were also described as good role models to the children - they provide clear boundaries and allow children to develop good levels of independence.
“Staff provide an inclusive environment where all children are valued and respected,” Ofsted said.
“Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff work closely with parents and other professionals to identify and support children’s individual needs.”
Children also develop good physical skills and this allows them to develop the confidence to take safe risks.
Additionally, Ofsted highlighted the good relationship that they have with parents - creating an activity, the ‘maths monkey’ that the children enjoy taking home to continue their learning.
However, to further improve for next time, Ofsted said Sunflowers should continue to embed the new system for monitoring the quality of teaching even further and seek additional ways to incorporate the views of all parents in the selfevaluation process.
Toni Schofield, nursery manager, said she was “very proud of her team” for the result.
She added: “We will work on what we are recommended so that’s what we will be aiming to improve. We would just like to thank all the families for coming and we have got a great connection with them.”