Ofsted has praised a nursery in Whaley Bridge for being an early years setting where children are all ‘progressing well’.

The Bridge Nursery on Buxton Road has been inspected by the education watchdog under the new Ofsted guidelines.

The report states it is working at a strong standard for behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, the second highest grading.

It is also working at the expected standard for children’s achievement, welfare and wellbeing, as well as the curriculum and teaching, inclusion along with leadership and governance.

Ofsted has praised The Bridge Nursery for being an early years setting where children are all ‘progressing well’.

placeholder image — Ofsted has praised The Bridge Nursery for being an early years setting where children are all ‘progressing well’.

Inspector Joanne Smith said: “Children are warmly welcomed by staff and staff create inviting play spaces that are specifically equipped for the development of the children.

“Children develop positive relationships with each other.

“Their understanding of staff's expectations is very well embedded.”

The report noted children's behaviour throughout the nursery is very positive, creating a ‘calm, harmonious environment for them to play and learn’.

Children are well supported to make progress in their development and achieve the targets staff set for them Ms Smith states and children who may be experiencing difficulties in aspects of their learning receive the support they need to help them overcome or reduce the impact of those difficulties.

Speaking about the children’s welfare and wellbeing Ms Smith said: “Leaders prepare children to be emotionally ready for learning and for their eventual move to school.” Looking at how the children in the setting learn Ms Smith said: “Leaders have developed a curriculum designed to progressively build on children's existing skills and knowledge across all areas of development.”

Leaders and managers are ambitious for the nursery and the children, the report notes.

They have developed and grown the nursery with care since it first opened and they review their practice and policies and adapt how they operate to maintain progress.

It was also noted that plans are in place to free up managers' time, so they can provide more in-room coaching to further strengthen teaching.

Looking at the next steps for the nursery Ms Smith said: “Leaders and managers should provide staff with guidance on how to help younger children to make independent choices. “Leaders and those responsible for governance should continue their work to bring about improvement and develop consistently high standards throughout the nursery.”