Yewkids Nursery was given an ‘outstanding’ rating in its recent Ofsted inspection, with the education watchdog praising the changes that have been implemented since their last inspection in 2012.
The report stated that quality and standards are at the ‘highest levels’ thanks to the nursery’s ‘truly inspirational’ staff.
Since receiving a ‘good’ rating in 2012, the setting has made vast improvements with the report stating that managers and leaders ‘show admirable enthusiasm’.
The report went on to praise the quality of teaching, saying observations were accurate and meticulously detailed, with planning sharply focused on next steps and interests, really promoting development of the children in their care.
The nursery was also praised for nurturing children’s emotional well-being and ‘superb’ links with parents. The report went on to state that staff inspired children to ‘explore, explore and explore some more’ in a setting that is ‘extremely exciting and inspiring’.
Manager Jude Coupland, who started working at the setting in 2013, has implemented a number changes over her time there, believing that a focus on the importance of play is key to a child’s development.
Speaking of the outcome she said:
“Play takes a great deal of effort for children, they are constantly thinking about what they are doing, what they want to achieve in their play and what they don’t want – so they are constantly problem solving, trying to manage social situations and conflicts and assessing themselves by persevering.
“We believe that play should never be undervalued. We observe the children not only to understand at what stage their development is at but to understand why they are actually behaving in certain ways.
“This might mean we re-evaluate and change routines and environments to suit the needs of our children.”
The nursery has 9 staff, and is heavily involved with the Yewdale community centre where it is based. This gives children access to additional activities, including trampolining and carpet bowls.
Staff will also be linking up with ‘Soup at Sandsfield’ volunteers from Sandsfield Community Church in order to offer healthy lunch workshops to children and parents.
They are also about to start work on a cycle track in an unused area of the community centre, where they hope to encourage the children to use their bikes and scooters more.
Steve Carter, who manages the community centre, said: “I’m immensely proud of the whole team. They are passionate about childcare and strive to make our nursery the best it possibly can be. It is a pleasure to support such a committed team.”