OFSTED has praised a Downend day nursery for its “warm and welcoming atmosphere”.
An inspector from the education regulator visited Buckingham Gardens Day Nursery in May.
Her report found the nursery, which has 92 children aged four and under on its roll, to be good in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.
Inspector Tracey Cook said: “The manager and the staff create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where all children and families feel they belong.
“The manager and the staff develop positive relationships with children from the start, and these help children to feel happy, safe and secure at the nursery.”
She said the nursery’s 21 staff members fill children’s days with “exciting learning experiences”, reassure babies with cuddles and play with the toddlers.
The inspector said: “Older children are very independent and have good self-esteem. They are motivated to learn and show they are ready for their transition to school.
“Children develop good social skills and show kindness and respect towards one another.”
She said the “extensive outdoor area” enabled children to practice their physical skills.
It was Ofsted’s second visit to the nursery in Buckingham Gardens since it was founded by sisters Georgina, Harrie and Billie Bristow in 2017.
The last visit, in 2018, also found the nursery to be ‘good’ in all areas.
The inspector said: “The manager and the staff have clear intentions for every child’s learning.
“They have high expectations of what individual children can achieve.
“All children, including those who learn English as an additional language, progress well from their starting points.
“Staff encourage children to follow daily routines, and children are clear about the rules and expectations.”
The report said the nursery has an “ambitious curriculum”, with staff finding out children’s starting points early on and using observation and assessment to identify gaps in learning, seeking support from specialists if there are any concerns about development.
The inspector said: “Parents express that they are very happy with the high level of care and education their children receive.
“Staff encourage parents to share children’s learning from home, and this provides continuity in children’s learning and development.”
The inspector said manager Georgina Bristow is a “confident and enthusiastic leader”, adding: “She knows her staff team well and is committed to support staff’s professional development and emotional well-being.
“There is a strong team spirit, and staff say they feel well supported by the manager.”
To further improve, the inspector recommended that the nursery review the organisation of small-group times for older children, and ensure children are given sufficient time to think about and respond to questions.
The Voice has invited the nursery to comment on the report.