Nursery is top of class
ANURSERY has been rated as ‘Outstanding’ for the second successive time, hailed for providing ‘exemplary care’ to children through ‘inspirational’ management.
Fisherfield Childcare, in Norden, was given the highest possible rating by Ofsted in every category quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
The Bagslate Moor Road nursery, which is one of eight run by the company, was inspected by the education watchdog in November for its work with children aged two to four.
Nursery manager Cherine Rasul, who was one of the first children to attend Fisherfield Childcare when it first opened its doors in May 1996, said she was delighted with the outcome.
“We could not wait to showcase all the hard work and dedication that we have put in place to support our children with their early learning journeys,” she said.
“We strive to promote a culture of resilient and independent children and nurture them with the skills to become the next generation of ‘thinkers and doers’.
“As a setting, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our parents for their continued support.”
Ofsted said the children’s behaviour was “exemplary” as they work collaboratively and sharing their thoughts and ideas - with older children spotted helping younger ones how to complete an activity.
They take part in daily yoga and mindfulness activities which help them “manage their emotions and prepare them magnificently for learning”.
Inspectors said: “Children thrive due to the exemplary care they receive within this rich and vibrant nursery. They are exceedingly happy and secure and are highly enthusiastic learners.
“Children are confident and self-assured. They make excellent progress in all aspects of their learning because staff have incredibly high expectations of them.”
The 13 members of staff were commended for enabling children to excel and provide a superb quality of education through precise observations and timely assessments of their learning.
Ofsted said: “Staff are exceptionally kind and caring and build excellent bonds with children.
“They are wonderful role models and support each child effectively, taking into account their individual needs. Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is exceptional.”
Staff were also congratulated on helping introduce vocabulary through exciting activities, such as science experiments.
Children learn about the world around them through ‘nature play’ activities, fortnightly visits to a local residential home where they meet elderly people and by learning how to say ‘hello’ in different languages.
They are also helped to become independent through an abundance of opportunities - with children able to serve themselves food at lunchtime.
The report said: “They skilfully spoon pasta onto their plates and clean their own hands and faces when finished.
“They also chop vegetables such as carrots and parsnips to use in their imaginative play experiences, showing control as they proficiently use children’s play knives.”
Nursery managers provide “immense support” to staff to help them continually provide the “best possible teaching and learning experiences for children” - with an extensive programme of professional development and a dedicated wellbeing centre.
Ofsted added: “The management team is truly inspirational. Managers have a highly ambitious vision for the nursery, which they communicate tremendously well.
“They also set particularly high standards and every member of the team continually strives for excellence.”