Lowbrook-based nursery earns high marks under new Ofsted system

A nursery operating out of Lowbrook Academy has received a high rating under Ofsted’s new system.

Patchwork Montessori Nursery, based at Lowbrook Academy, offers 83 places for children aged 0-4.

In its most recent inspection, it received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in five out of six areas – which is rank two of five under the new Ofsted rating system (Exceptional, Strong standard, Expected standard, Needs attention, Urgent improvement).

Children throughout the setting are ‘enthralled’ in the activities that staff have planned for them.

Children ‘adore’ exploring and playing in the mud kitchen and babies ‘delight’ in seeing themselves in mirrored books.

Parents speak incredibly highly of the leaders, staff and setting as a whole, Ofsted found.

They appreciate the frequent updates and feel that their children are being very well prepared for their next steps in education.

Relationships with staff

Ofsted wrote: “Staff have excellent relationships with the children. Clear and warm bonds are evident across the setting.”

Children are confident to ask for help if needed and frequently go to their key person for a cuddle or reassurance.

Staff are ‘highly responsive’ to individual children's needs, Ofsted wrote.

Babies' weaning, feeding, sleeping and hygiene needs are met through well-structured routines and highly attentive staff.

Leaders support children to be confident and able to manage their feelings. They acknowledge when children might be feeling upset and navigate them through these situations.

Behaviour

Children behave ‘exceptionally well’, said Ofsted.

Older children are challenged to problem-solve together. Consequently, children are learning how to get along well with those around them and are ‘incredibly polite, well-mannered and respectful’.

“Leaders and staff act as excellent role models and consistently have high expectations of children's behaviour and attitudes,” Ofsted wrote.

Staff teach toddlers to play a little more quietly if their friends are sleeping and to not disturb them.

Teaching

Ofsted praised the staff’s interaction with children, saying they ‘model ambitious vocabulary’ and ‘skilfully challenge’ children throughout the day.

Leaders and staff regularly assess what the children can already do and plan what they want them to learn next.

They consider any barriers to learning and consider children's likes and interests. This information is shared with parents, along with suggestions of how to best support their child.

Subsequently, children are consistently ready for their next stage of learning.

Leaders have a clear vision for the curriculum. The carefully sequenced plan ensures that transitions between the rooms at the nursery run smoothly.

All children, including those with possible barriers to learning, consistently build on what they know and can do.

Staff

Leaders are reflective and frequently discuss areas for improvement. They support staff through various training opportunities.

“All staff act with integrity, working together as a harmonious team,” wrote Ofsted.

Leaders and staff are beginning to work with other professionals, such as speech and language therapists, to ensure that the most appropriate interventions are in place for each child.

Ofsted says leaders should support staff to develop even more confidence in recognising where children require more help and share this with parents to overcome any possible barriers.