Nursery celebrates a 'Good' Ofsted

A Greenacres nursery has welcomed its latest Ofsted report.

Brooklands Day Nursery on Greenacres Road has been rated good in all five categories of the inspection including overall effectiveness, the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.  

During the visit, Inspector Jade Patten noted that the children were happy and settled in the nursery and were cared for by compassionate staff, who knew them and their families well. 

Children were found to play cooperatively with each other and showed respect to staff by participating in putting toys away.  

Stories and songs were at the heart of the nursery’s curriculum and staff provided books in different areas of the rooms to encourage children to explore them.  

Children with special educational needs and disabilities were also assisted well. 

The inspection found that staff supported children's communication and language development and used regular assessments - which enabled them to identify any signs of delay in their development. 

Children demonstrated positive attitudes to their behaviour, but Inspector Patten found that staff did not always provide clear and consistent messages to children about rules and boundaries. 

She said in the report: “Staff say they do not allow children to run indoors but not all staff provided the same messages to children regarding running indoors.  

“This sends mixed messages to children about what is expected of them.” 

The inspection also highlighted that leaders and staff aimed to help children to gain independence and knew these skills were important for them to be prepared for school. 

Ms Patten said: “Partnerships with parents and carers are a key strength. Staff feel leaders are responsive to their overall well-being and describe a ‘good work-balance'.  

“Leaders are alert to staff’s training needs. They provide coaching and support to help staff gain new skills and knowledge.” 

To improve the quality of the early years provision further, the provider should support staff to be consistent in the sequencing of the curriculum and manage children's behaviour in a way to help them to understand what is expected of them. 

Nursery manager, Emma Harrison welcomed the report adding: “We are delighted that Ofsted judged Brooklands Day Nursery to be a 'GOOD' nursery.” 

“We are extremely proud of this positive outcome which is a testament to the care and commitment of our staff, the support of our parents and carers, and of course, a celebration of our wonderful children."