Sandbrook Nursery celebrates ‘Good’ hat-trick

THE education watchdog has rated a nursery as ‘Good’ for the third time in a row, highlighting their ‘experienced and knowledgeable’ staff.

Sandbrook Children’s Centre Nursery is part of

Sandbrook Community Primary School and looks after around 60 children.

Ofsted said staff are positive role models for the pupils, that leaders work closely together and that children who speak

English as an additional language receive high levels of support.

Lisa Nelson, manager at the Hartley Lane nursery for 13 years, said: “We are very pleased to get a good rating. The girls have been working very hard over the last three years to keep up the good mark that we got last time.

“Considering we have new staff, they work very hard to carry on the good work and learn from the role-modelling that we do.”

Following a visit, inspectors said the nursery was wellresourced and provides a range of resources for children to explore and investigate, which prepares them for future learning.

Ofsted said: “Children happily arrive at nursery, with some becoming upset when it is time to leave. They form positive attachments with the friendly and welcoming staff, who nurture children’s care needs well.

“For example, younger children are given a reassuring cuddle if they become a little unsettled.”

Staff were celebrated for offering interesting activities which motivate and engage the children in play, and for involving parents in their leaning.

Ofsted added: “Staff are positive role models and show children how to use resources.

“For example, staff model how to build towers out of blocks and explore different textures during play.

“Positive behaviour is consistently promoted by staff.

“The impact of this is that children demonstrate good listening and attention skills and respect for others.”

The nursery’s leadership works closely together to ensure they provide high levels of care - through meetings and training sessions Ofsted said.

Inspectors found children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported through “experienced and knowledgeable staff” who act quickly when they think a child needs help.

Furthermore, the report said children who don’t speak English as a first language are also given high levels of support.

Ofsted said: “Managers ensure that, where possible, these children are placed under the care of staff who speak the same language.

“This helps children to settle more quickly and gives them reassurance as they understand new vocabulary and routines.”