Little Stars Nursery, Church, rated 'good' by Ofsted

Little Stars Nursery at The Park Child and Family Centre on Norfolk Grove, Church, has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted following an inspection last month.

Inspectors noted children are ‘happy, settled and ready to play in the exciting and nurturing environment that the nursery offers’ such as the large outdoor spaces and forest area.

Operations manager Joanna Berry said: “The recent pandemic has really impacted the early year's sector, many of whom remained open throughout to support our key workers and this inspection result demonstrates the dedication, commitment and professionalism of our staff team, as well as the particularly strong relationships we value and nurture with our children and families.

Little Stars Nursery at The Park Child and Family Centre on Norfolk Grove, Church (Image: Little Stars Nursery)

 “Our flagship nursery offers childcare for children aged from six months to school age, with access to an onsite private woodland area, a wellness space with a Zen Zone as well as multiple outdoor play areas and large, spacious, well-resourced indoor learning environments.

“We are all so pleased with the inspection outcome and would like to thank our children, families and staff for their continued support.”

Children are ‘good at creating their own games’ and ‘regularly solve problems independently’.

Inspectors said that since the pandemic, leaders have noticed a reduced level of expected development in children's communication and language and their emotional security.

The report reads: “Leaders have worked closely with staff to ensure that they are supporting children to the best of their ability to increase these skills.

“Staff consistently sing and talk to children during play. As a result, children's speaking and interaction skills are increasing.

“They play happily alongside and with their peers and are developing the skills and attitudes associated with effective learners.”

A child  at Little Stars Nursery at The Park Child and Family Centre on Norfolk Grove, Church (Image: Little Stars Nursery)

Children benefit from a broad curriculum which helps to meet all children's needs and build skills for their future.

Despite this, sometimes staff do not differentiate or swiftly adapt their teaching as much as they could meaning that some children's learning is not planned or sequenced well enough.

Relationships with parents are particularly strong, but inspectors said that not all parents are supported in the best way possible to share and understand information about children's development.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are especially well considered, and babies' needs are sensitively met, with their relationships with staff described as ‘heart-warming’.

Older children are preparing for their future education and move to school by developing their independence.

Safeguarding arrangements are effective.