Children's needs identified early at Leeds nursery praised for inclusion - Ofsted report
The nursery has developed a culture of “mutual respect and fairness”
A Leeds nursery has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for identifying the needs of children early.
Cherubs Kindergarten Childcare, located on Cragg Hill, Horsforth, scored a ‘Strong standard’ rating for inclusion during an Ofsted visit on August 21 this year.
Inspectors adjudged the nursery to have reached the ‘Expected standard’ in the remaining five areas - achievement, behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, children's welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance.
The site was previously rated as Good under Ofsted’s old scoring system in a 2019 inspection.
“Leaders and staff identify children's needs early and understand how to support children with a wide range of experiences,” the education watchdog said. “Staff recognise that children learn in different ways and match their approach carefully to each child.
“Children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities make notable progress. Staff break learning into small steps and use approaches that help children to build knowledge and skills seamlessly alongside their friends.”
Children achieve well overall, across all areas of learning and from their starting points, according to the report, and toddlers quickly develop independence in routines.
Staff know children well and respond with “warmth and sensitivity.” Children feel secure because their key person is a consistent presence throughout the day.
The nursery has developed a culture of “mutual respect and fairness,” with high expectations for both staff and children. Staff take a positive approach to supporting children's behaviour for example, by teaching them the 'golden rules'.
Leaders shape a curriculum that focuses closely on children becoming confident and independent learners. Staff follow this well and use children's interests to shape learning in meaningful ways.
Focusing on next steps, inspectors added: “Leaders should support staff to refine teaching, using what they know about children more consistently to shape learning that builds securely on what children already know and can do.
“They should use consistent approaches that help children to recognise and name their feelings, develop greater confidence in managing their emotions and to build empathy and an understanding of others.”
There is a positive culture in this setting where everyone feels supported and valued, according to the report. Leaders recognise that staff and children have different strengths and celebrate what makes each one unique.
Children's relationships with staff are “warm and trusting.” The consistency of the key person arrangements means that children are confident to seek out support or assurance when they need it.
Overall, the report notes that children arrive at Cherubs Kindergarten “eager to begin their day,” and move confidently between spaces indoors and outdoors.