Kids Planet Austhorpe: Leeds nursery where children develop a 'love of reading' scores top marks from Ofsted
A Leeds nursery where children “develop an exceptional love of reading” has received top marks during a recent Ofsted inspection.
Kids Planet Austhorpe, located on Austhorpe Lane, Leeds, was rated as outstanding in all four inspected categories - the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
Ofsted inspectors visited the setting on July 25 and praised staff for having “high expectations for every child.” The setting was previously rated outstanding during an inspection in September 2019.
The education watchdog said: “Children flourish in this outstanding nursery. They arrive motivated and quickly engage in purposeful play. Babies seek comfort from familiar adults and respond with delight to warm and attentive interactions. These trusting relationships help children feel deeply secure.
“Staff model calm, respectful interactions. They set clear, consistent expectations. Fundamental British values guide daily routines. For example, children show kindness, patience and cooperation. They treat others with care and respect. Every child feels heard, valued and confident.”
The report describes how children “confidently express their ideas” through building, drawing, role play and imaginative design. Staff follow children's interests and build learning around them.
Children develop “strong mathematical understanding” through rich, hands-on experiences. For example, while building an obstacle course, they use size, weight and shape to plan and construct safely.
Inspectors added: “Children develop an exceptional love of reading and literacy. Outdoors, they enthusiastically share stories with staff, actively joining in and discussing what might happen next. They independently use story sacks and props to retell familiar tales with rich language.
“Children develop excellent speech and language skills. Staff present information clearly and support understanding through gestures, signs and repetition. They model accurate vocabulary, repeat words back correctly and praise children's efforts. Children speak confidently and clearly.”
Parents “praise the nursery's strong impact” on their children's development and highlight the smooth settling-in process and the dedication of knowledgeable staff. Children are said to make “excellent progress.”
Leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous improvement and according to the report closely monitor practice and provide tailored training to staff and hands-on support to deepen knowledge and reflect current thinking in early years.