An exceptional achievement - Ofsted praise for nursery

Headteacher Lynda Barlow with children from the nursery school and daycare nursery

Staff and pupils at Howard Street Nursery are celebrating after the nursery school and day-care nursery were judged as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Inspectors, who sat in on both full and part time sessions, concluded that the children’s all round personal development is particularly strong and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is exceptional.

Parents and carers hold the school in high regard and were full of praise for the excellent levels of care that is given to their children. One commented:
“My child loves nursery and even asks to go at the weekend.”

The report also said that staff are excellent role models and children thoroughly enjoy their time at both the nursery and the day-care.

Outstanding use of assessments identify children’s specific needs and enable staff to adapt the high quality curriculum. Inspectors were also impressed by the children’s outstanding behaviour and generosity which creates a very happy environment in which they all thrive.

The success at Howard Street follows an ‘outstanding’ inspection at South Street Nursery in Rochdale last year which Headteacher Lynda Barlow also leads.

Ms Barlow said: “High quality care, guidance and support underpins all we do. I am delighted with the feedback from Ofsted particularly that they recognised the language strategies across the nursery, the maths tracking to improve numeracy and the emphasis we place on children thinking for themselves.”

Councillor Surinder Biant, the Cabinet Member for Children. Schools and Families added: “An outstanding judgement can only be achieved by a dedicated team and lots of hard work. The nursery has the continued support from parents and governors who are keen to keep on improving. I congratulate Howard Street Nursery and all the staff.”