A “CALM and welcoming” nursery near Mangotsfield has been praised by an inspector.
Regulator Ofsted visited Kids Planet Shortwood Lodge, which has 118 children aged four and under on its roll, in August.
Inspector Louise Phillips said the nursery was ‘good’ in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.
The nursery is based at the former Shortwood Lodge Golf Club pavilion, off Carson’s Road.
National provider Kids Planet took over the site, which first opened as a nursery in 2020, from Butterflies Day Nursery last year.
The inspector said nursery staff form “strong bonds” with children, with babies given “hugs, soft reassurance and close contact”.
She said: “They create a calm and welcoming space, where children feel safe and secure.
“Staff work closely with parents and carers to provide consistency and emotional support.”
The inspector praised the “well-sequenced” curriculum, with strengths in language and maths.
She said: “Staff have clear expectations for children’s learning.
“They focus on strengthening children’s communication and language. Staff create spaces rich in language and filled with stories and conversations.
“Children with speech delays receive repetition, prompts and gentle encouragement. These approaches help children to speak clearly and listen with confidence.
“Mathematics weaves through everyday interactions and the wider curriculum. Staff introduce counting and mathematical words to children from an early age.
“Staff encourage children to make predictions, test theories and explain their thinking. These experiences build and support children’s numeracy and problem-solving skills.”
Regular outdoor activities including play, sports, nature walks and gardening, were highlighted in the report.
The inspector said: “Staff introduce climbing, obstacle courses and movement games to support children’s coordination and strength.
“They go on walks to fields and take part in physical sessions designed to raise their heart rates and build stamina.”
Healthy meals and snacks are provided, with children encouraged to serve themselves and take part in mealtime routines.
Work to help families feel “informed and empowered” was praised.
The inspector said: “The staff team works hard to create a sense of community.
“Parents describe the nursery as warm, responsive and emotionally supportive.
“Parents say staff know their children well and communicate clearly.”
Staff well-being is prioritised by management, the inspector said, leading to them feeling “valued, appreciated and supported” as part of a “culture of care”.
To improve further, the inspector said the nursery should spot and help children who are quieter to interact and build friendships, improving their confidence and social skills.
She said children should be given more opportunities to further develop independence skills during daily routines, such as tidying up or dressing themselves independently.
Nursery Manager Jessica Van Oosten said: “We’re so pleased with the outcome of our Ofsted inspection and proud to be recognised for the nurturing, inclusive environment we’ve created.
“Our team works incredibly hard to make sure every child feels secure, confident, and ready to explore the world around them.
“It’s wonderful to see that reflected in the report.”