Children's Place Burnett Fields nursery in Little Horton 'outstanding'

Children’s Place Burnett Fields, Little Horton, was visited by the education watchdog earlier this year and was given the highest rating overall and in every inspection area.

The glowing report praised staff and children and said: “Children’s wellbeing and safety is at the heart of this setting.”

The report said: “This nursery is fully inclusive to all children. The manager and staff team are highly effective at prioritising and meeting children's individual needs.

“This is particularly significant for children with additional needs, including funded children, children who speak English as an additional language and those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

“Children who start below the expected levels of development, and children who have been absent from the nursery for long periods throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, all progress rapidly.

“These children quickly grasp the skills of listening and an understanding of language. They quickly develop a sense of security, building strong relationships with staff and their peers.

“Staff build on what children know and can do while following children's emerging interests. Children's behaviour is exemplary.”

It added: “Children have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. From a young age, children interact with each other with kindness and are sensitive to each other's needs. For example, children comfort each other when upset.”

Inspectors said parents had been “passionate” about the help, advice and support given to them, including during the pandemic.

“They cannot praise the staff enough for keeping in touch with them through calls and emails,” said the report.

Inspectors said children who speak English as an additional language, or who have limited speech, are supported effectively and the report said: “Children show great resilience and determination.

“They demonstrate expert independence. They know to wash their hands following routines and competently put on their coats when going outside.”

“Mealtimes are very sociable as children and staff talk about the learning that has taken place in the morning.”

Staff wellbeing was described as a “high priority” and inspectors said funding the nursery gets is “fully evaluated to ensure it is making a real difference to children”.

The report added: “The staff have a very strong understanding of safeguarding issues.

“The manager and staff are extremely confident and proactive in reporting any safeguarding concerns to relevant agencies.”

The manager was said to “rigorously” test staff knowledge of safeguarding policies.

Co-director Debbie Burke said the nursery was “absolutely delighted” at the outcome and said staff work tirelessly to ensure children get the best start in life.