Nursery’s ‘amazing’ turnaround as watchdog rates it ‘good’ just months after scathing report

A Rochdale nursery has completed an ‘amazing’ turnaround after being rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted following an inspection earlier this year.

Small World Nurseries, in Castleton, is now officially classed as ‘good’ after officials returned to see how much improvement had been made since their last visit earlier this year.

 

Read more: Nursery where children are ‘at risk of potential harm because of ineffective risk assessments’ rated as inadequate by OfstedPublished: 22 March 2022

 

A newly published report praises managers for developing a ‘well-thought-out curriculum, which has ‘a positive impact on children’s learning and development’.

The nursery is described as having ‘high expectations’ for every child, with the report noting that this is reflected ‘in their continuing progress and development’.

Staff are also said to be aware of the impact Covid has had on some children and ‘use this knowledge to focus on communication and language development and personal, social and emotional skills’.

Inspectors also found that ‘staff work hard to promote children’s confidence and ability to make choices’.

“They encourage children to voice their opinions and listen to others,” the report states. “These skills are invaluable when considering the next stages in their learning journeys.”

Children are described as ‘curious, motivated learners’, who show’ high levels of confidence and make assured choices’.

They also ‘behave well’ and ‘demonstrate warm, genuine bonds with their friends and the staff team’, according to the watchdog’s report.

Babies were seen to ‘gaze in awe and wonder during ‘Baby Moves’ classes, while ‘happy sounds fill the air’, the report notes.

And the progress has not been lost on parents either, with inspectors noting that they ‘value’ the Tudor House nursery.

“They commend the staff and the management team for the improvements they have implemented since the previous inspection,” the report states.

“Parents boast that they feel ‘overwhelmed’ by the ‘amazing progress’ their children have made, especially within communication and language.

The previous inspection report, published in March, said children were at risk of potential harm because of ineffective risk assessments and also highlighted shortcomings in leadership and management.

However safeguarding at the nursery is now said to be effective. Staff are trained in children’s first aid and ‘assess the premises daily to ensure hazards are swiftly identified and rectified’, the report notes.

They also confidently recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and understand the procedures to follow should they be concerned about the conduct of any person working with children.

Kimberley Anstess, manager of Small World Nurseries, described herself as ‘devastated’ by the findings of the previous inspection and lodged an appeal.

But she is now celebrating following Ofsted’s recognition of the progress the nursery has made.

“I am delighted with this report and very proud to be the nursery manager,” she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“ My team and I will continue to strive for the best and consider the recommendations that were highlighted at inspection.

“We start the new term and academic year with pride and confidence that our nursery has been recognized to be of a high standard across all areas of Ofsted expectations, recognised once again as Good.”

Ms Anstess added: “As a company, we did not lose any staff or families during the last six months and are very proud that we all embraced our vision, pulling together as a nursery with a well driven and dedicated team, I would like to thank our families for their support and our team who have given all they have to achieve this Good rating.

“We will continue to embrace our vision and passionately provide the best childcare with the children at the centre of all we do.”

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporting Service