Cross Gates nursery offers 'stimulating environment' after securing Ofsted turnaround
Staff create a “welcoming and stimulating environment,” at this Leeds nursery after they secured an Ofsted ratings turnaround.
Dinky Dizzys, located on Cross Gates Lane, Cross Gates, was rated as Good in all four inspected categories - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management following an inspection on September 16.
It represents a fast turnaround for the site, which was previously rated as Requires Improvement, after a visit by Ofsted inspectors in December 2024.
The education watchdog said: “Staff greet children with a smile on arrival. They have a secure understanding of how young children learn. Staff create a welcoming and stimulating environment, and children show delight as they explore and investigate.
“Children are proud of their achievements and are eager to show visitors the artwork they have created. Children develop an early awareness of mathematical concepts.”
Since the last inspection, inspectors found that management and staff team have “worked extremely hard to make improvements.” They have undertaken a wide range of training since the last inspection, which they have implemented to enhance and extend the quality of teaching.
Staff provide opportunities for children to develop social skills and form positive relationships with others. They support them to develop good communication and language skills.
The nursery is described in the report as “proactive, positive and keen” to do their very best for children and their families. They have received guidance from Leeds City Council advisers, which has had a positive impact on practice.
Focusing on areas of further improvement, inspectors added: “To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should organise planned activities more effectively to fully engage children in learning.
“They should also provide clearer information for parents about healthy options for children's food and drink to promote children's understanding of healthy lifestyles.”
Children at Dinky Dizzys are “well behaved” and show good levels of co-operation with each other, according to Ofsted inspectors. For example, they help tidy away the toys and are polite and well-mannered.
Staff observe and assess children's progress, helping them to plan activities that build on what children already know and can do. They also support children's language and literacy skills well, such as using core story books to help embed vocabulary.