Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery in Surrey has been rated ‘outstanding’ and praised for the children’s ‘exceptional progress’.
The nursery has only been open two years and this was their first Ofsted inspection. The nursery encourages babies to wash their hands before meals and helps children prepare their own snacks.
The manager of Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, Jane Martin, believes that focusing on making children independent learners is the key to the nursery’s success. She said: “Where I think we stand out is the emphasis we put on each child’s independence. From a very young age they are doing lots of things for themselves, such as babies washing their hands before meals.”
The nursery provides care for children aged three months to pre-school age; they have received the highest rating possible in all areas from their inspection on the 17th August.
The inspectors were impressed with the nursery’s ‘inspirational leadership’ and the ‘exceptional support’ that children who have Special Educational Needs (SEN) received.
Ms Martin, added: “We are delighted as it’s quite unusual to get an outstanding on your first inspection so it makes it a double success. We worked very hard to put everything in place to a very high standard and from day one it was always an ambition of ours to get outstanding.
“Monkey Puzzle Tatsfield is really quite a special place. We offer all round excellent childcare delivered by passionate staff who are prepared to go the extra mile for our children. We have high expectations of what our children can achieve and give them the support they need to reach their goals.”
The inspectors also praised how uniquely the staff helped children learn perseverance and how they make ‘exceptional progress’.
The report says, ‘Staff provide a challenging and stimulating environment, and they consistently encourage children to lead their own play and learning. Children are extremely independent and enjoy a range of responsibilities. For example, they show extreme confidence in preparing their own snacks and enthusiastically wash up after snack from a very young age.’
The staff were also praised for their ‘excellent relationships’ with parents, involving them in their child’s learning. It was also recognised that staff valued parents’ preferences and suggestions.
One parent who works in the ‘field of children’ had found it very hard to find the ‘perfect setting’ for her three year old son, but she left a written review, saying she ‘couldn’t be happier’ with the nursery and very much likes the focus on independence and self-help skills.
Another review written by a parent reads, ‘My son started Monkey Puzzle just after he turned one and remained there for 1 1/2 years. They have an exceptionally nurturing environment. All of the staff are incredibly warm and my son bonded well with a number of them. Sadly my son is moving on, but we will always have fond memories.’