‘They arrive happily, settle quickly and show clear confidence’

A nursery in south Leeds has been praised for its strong standards following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Muddy Boots Gildersome, located on Finkle Lane, Gildersome, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in four of the six inspected categories during an Ofsted visit on July 1.

Inspectors adjudged the nursery to have reached a ‘Strong standard’ in the areas of behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, children's welfare and wellbeing, inclusion and leadership and governance.

The nursery, which was previously rated as Outstanding under its old name Kaleidoscope Gildersome, scored an ‘Expected standard’ rating for achievement and curriculum and teaching.

Muddy Boots Gildersome, located on Finkle Lane, Gildersome, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in four of the six inspected categories. | Submit

placeholder image — Muddy Boots Gildersome, located on Finkle Lane, Gildersome, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in four of the six inspected categories. | Submit

“Children clearly enjoy their time in this joyful, safe and nurturing environment,” the education watchdog said. “They arrive happily, settle quickly and show clear confidence in exploring their surroundings. Children enjoy their learning and typically progress well.

“Relationships across the setting are consistently warm and respectful. Staff model respect and courtesy throughout all interactions, and children mirror this naturally. They greet others politely, wait patiently and show kindness towards their friends.”

Children's attitudes to learning are highly positive, according to the report. They sustain focus, show curiosity and participate with enthusiasm in stories, songs and outdoor exploration. Even the youngest children “demonstrate remarkable engagement.”

They develop a secure understanding of ways to keep themselves safe, such as why they use sunscreen and wash their hands. They help staff to complete simple risk assessments and take pride in helping to keep the nursery safe.

Children with emerging challenges in their learning, and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from targeted strategies such as calm spaces, visual prompts and adapted communication approaches.

Staff vary in how precisely they build children's mathematical understanding, and some opportunities to deepen learning are missed. At times, younger children find activities too challenging, while older children do not always encounter teaching that moves their learning forward.

Focusing on potential next steps, inspectors added: “Leaders should support staff to refine teaching of mathematics so that it consistently builds on children's current learning and deepens their understanding.

“They should continue to build staff expertise through further precisely planned professional development so that emerging excellence in teaching becomes fully embedded.”

Babies settle well and make steady progress in their early development, according to the report. They build confidence in communication, respond to familiar routines and begin to explore their environment with increasing curiosity.

Leaders provide clear, strategic direction, based on sharp, accurate reflections that guide purposeful decisions. They and staff share a consistent understanding of high-quality practice, which shapes daily routines and interactions.

Staff plan activities based on accurate assessments of children's progress and provide a broad and appealing range of learning opportunities across early number, language and physical development.