A NURSERY in Downend has been given a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted – months after the regulator said it was ‘inadequate’.
Managers say they are “thrilled” that the hard work of staff at the Kiddi Caru Day Nursery and Pre-school in Downend Road has delivered a change in the education watchdog’s assessment.
Ofsted visited the nursery, which has 67 children aged four and under on its roll, in May.
Its new report, published in June, said the nursery was now good in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.
Inspector Marie Swindells said: “Leaders and staff have worked hard since the last inspection to address the identified weaknesses.
“There is a clear vision for the development of the nursery, which staff and parents support.
“Staff have undertaken a wide range of training to help them to develop their knowledge and gain a greater understanding of their roles, which includes their safeguarding responsibilities.”
The inspector said staff create “warm and nurturing relationships” with children, adding: “Children are well cared for and show that they feel relaxed and happy. The trusting relationships that they build with others help them to become confident learners.”
The inspector praised the “interesting and balanced” curriculum, which is constantly reviewed, with changes made where necessary.
She praised the use of singing, rhyme and signing to support language development.
The inspector said staff “model positive behaviour, such as using manners and being polite”, intervene to stop conflict and encourage sharing and taking turns, and children “behave well” overall.
On Ofsted’s previous visit, in January, inspector Victoria Nicolson said children’s safety was “put at risk” because safeguarding procedures were not followed.
She said older children did not “get the same supportive and nurturing experiences” as younger children.
Her report, published in April, said leadership and management, and children’s personal development, was ‘inadequate’.
The new report said safeguarding procedures are effective, praising the “open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interests first”.
To further improve Ofsted said the nursery should enhance staff interactions during free play sessions for older children, and ensure a “consistent approach to behaviour management”.
National nursery operator Grandir UK bought the Downend Road nursery and eight others from Mama Bear’s last summer. At the time the setting had a ‘requires improvement’ rating.
Grandir UK regional manager David Lord said: “I’m thrilled that Downend Road has been awarded a Good rating from Ofsted.
“I’m so proud of the nursery team and the amount of hard work they’ve put into making Downend Road such a warm, nurturing, and happy environment where children can flourish.”