Staff 'consistently prioritise' children's wellbeing at this Leeds Council nursery - Ofsted report

Leaders at a nursery in Leeds have been praised for prioritising children's welfare and wellbeing.

Little Owls Nursery Seacroft, located on South Parkway, Seacroft, received a 'Strong standard' rating in three of the six inspected categories during an Ofsted visit on May 14 this year.

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

The site, which was one of nine nurseries listed as safe after Leeds City Council announced a review of their Little Owls services in 2024, received an ‘Expected standard’ rating for the remaining categories of achievement, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance.

“Leaders consistently prioritise children's welfare and wellbeing,” the education watchdog said. “Staff know children well and create a safe, welcoming environment where children feel motivated to learn and become increasingly independent.

“They create an environment where children learn to treat others with kindness, care and respect. Staff consistently promote positive behaviour and provide a calm and nurturing atmosphere where children behave extremely well.”

All children make the expected progress of which they are capable, according to the report. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities progress particularly well in their learning and development. Children develop their communication and language skills effectively.

Staff make effective adjustments so that all children can take part in learning opportunities, and leaders ensure that the environment supports every child's needs very well.

They plan a curriculum that is “inclusive and high quality.” All staff have high expectations of what children can achieve and use opportunities throughout the day to support children's learning and development.

Teaching is generally tailored to children's individual needs. However, staff do not yet consistently make the most of every interaction to extend and deepen children's learning further.

Focusing on potential next steps, inspectors added: “Leaders should continue to support all staff to extend children's learning to a consistently high level so that children excel in their learning and development.

“They should strengthen the already positive relationships with parents to consider how all parents know how to support children's next steps in learning.”

Leaders have a clear understanding of the nursery's strengths and areas for development, according to the report. They have implemented a cycle of continuous improvement where all views are considered to improve practice and the quality of provision.

Secure hygiene practises are also in place to support children's personal care needs. Staff teach children important self-care skills, such as washing their hands, feeding themselves and becoming increasingly independent.

Overall, children are said to arrive at the nursery “happy, confident and ready to learn” in a safe welcoming and nurturing environment.