INSPECTORS have praised the “warm and welcoming environment” of a nursery in Emersons Green.
Ofsted visited Busy Bees Day Nursery, in St Lukes Close, in May.
It was the education regulator’s first inspection of the site using a new assessment system, after overall verdicts were axed last year.
Inspector Victoria Nicolson said the nursery, which has 105 places for children aged four and under, had achieved the ‘strong standard’ – above the expected level – for inclusion.
It achieved Ofsted’s expected standard in the five other areas assessed: achievement; Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; children’s welfare and well-being; curriculum and teaching; and leadership and governance.
The inspector said: “Leaders and staff provide a warm and welcoming environment.
“They greet children positively and help them to feel safe and secure. As a result, children form deep attachments with staff and demonstrate that they feel cared for.
“Staff use their knowledge of children’s needs to tailor experiences effectively.
“Babies benefit from a calm and nurturing environment, where staff respond sensitively to their needs.
“Older toddlers enjoy exploring a range of activities, such as painting and digging in the sand, showing curiosity and engagement.
“Older children take part in group games, laughing and chasing each other in the garden as they use their imaginations in play. This demonstrates that children enjoy their learning and are motivated to take part.”
The inspector said the nursery’s leaders have “consistently high expectations for all children,” adding: “They ensure that all children, regardless of their starting points or individual needs, have the support that they need to reduce barriers to their learning.”
Additional supervision for children is provided when needed, and leaders “work in close partnership with parents”.
The inspector said: “Most children are confident and keen to learn, and children are well prepared for the next stage in their learning, overall.”
Children behave well, with staff acting as positive role models, the inspector said.
The curriculum includes a focus on promoting children’s language skills, and ensures all children have regular access to outdoor activities.
A spokesperson for the nursery said: “We are absolutely delighted with our Ofsted result.
“It is a wonderful recognition of the caring, nurturing environments we strive to create for children every day.
“We are incredibly proud to know that the children in our care are exactly where they should be – in a warm, supportive environment where they feel safe, supported and valued.”