Leaders have a 'clear and ambitious vision' at this Leeds nursery - Ofsted report

Leaders at a nursery in Leeds have praised by Ofsted inspectors for having a “clear and ambitious vision” for the curriculum.

Little Gems Early Years Nursery, located on York Road, received an 'Expected standard' rating in all six inspected categories during an Ofsted visit on May 1 this year.

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

The site, was previously rated as Good under Ofsted’s old scoring system in a 2022 inspection, following an Inadequate rating in 2021.

“Leaders have a clear and ambitious vision for the curriculum,” the education watchdog said. “They communicate this effectively to staff to ensure that they have the same high expectations. In particular, staff prioritise children's physical, communication and language development, and their personal, social and emotional development.

“All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities or other barriers to their learning, make progress from their starting points. Children develop the skills they need for later learning.”

Children experience calm, familiar routines that help them to feel safe and settled, according to the report. Staff follow children's familiar sleep patterns and provide close supervision so that rest times reflect each child's individual needs.

Younger children know to line up to wash their hands before finding a seat. These activities, along with the self-service of some food items, help children develop independence skills successfully. They “generally demonstrate that they know the rules and routines well.”

Staff sing and read books to children often and model a broad vocabulary, such as talking about objects that 'float' and 'sink'. Staff working with the oldest children motivate them to think and express their ideas.

They support families to attend, offering some flexibility in sessions to ensure children's attendance is regular. This successfully supports children's understanding of the setting's routines.

Focusing on areas of further improvement, inspectors added: “Leaders should support the staff working with babies to provide more encouragement and opportunities for these children to develop their language and vocabulary range.

“They should provide support to staff to develop their knowledge on early identification of developmental concerns so that interventions can be implemented in a timely manner.”

Children arrive happy and separate well from their parents and carers at this inclusive and nurturing setting, according to the report. They quickly settle with their key person, showing they feel happy, safe and secure in the setting.

Leaders at Little Gems have a secure understanding of their local area and the needs and different circumstances of the families they serve. They are “committed to ensuring all children and families are provided with help where needed.”

They similarly recognise the journey they have been on and the significant changes to the leadership and governance of the setting. They are positive and proactive about the future and are committed to ensuring children and families receive high standards of care and education.