Top marks for nursery where children ‘thrive’
A nursery has managed to upgrade its Ofsted rating from good to outstanding after a recent inspection.
Poppy's Day Nursery in Staplehurst had its inspection on February 23 – its first in six years and the results have now been published.
Inspectors stated that children are “safe, happy and thrive” and that they “thoroughly enjoy playing and exploring.”
The report also said children access exciting learning opportunities in the outdoor area – for example, children build towers in the builders’ area. The nursery has been operating for 15 years this August and has 85 children and 28 staff members.
Children were shown to receive outstanding care from staff, while showing independence.
Younger children demonstrated this by doing things
such as putting on shoes and using cutlery successfully. Inspectors said staff give “excellent thought and care” to make sure the children have the best experience possible and progress.
The report found that the provider and manager are passionate and provide a well-thought out curriculum designed to meet the needs of the children. Staff's professional development is also highly prioritised and shows a “personalised approach”.
Procedures for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities were found to be outstanding. Staff use picture cards for children who are not in confident in communicating what they need to enable all children to share their views.
Parents spoke about the caring nature of the staff and how their children have developed educationally and emotionally in a happy, warm, and safe environment. Inspectors stated managers go “above and beyond” to support families and communicate children's development.
Staff plan the environment to promote the highest levels of engagement.
Children show high levels of respect for each other and can solve problems through communicating with their friends. They also take pride in their environment understand the importance of the rules in place.
Safeguarding at the nursery was found to be effective, and staff have an excellent knowledge of safeguarding.