A FAMILY run nursery has celebrated its success and improvement after achieving an Outstanding rating in its latest Ofsted inspection.
After receiving a 'Requires Improvement' rating in 2017 and a 'Good' grade in 2018, Appy Little Plums has now been rated as an 'Outstanding' nursery following an inspection in June.
Published on July 29, the report states that children settle "exceptionally well at this awe-inspiring nursery".
Staff at the Alma Street nursery are reported to have created an "oasis of calm in which children are safe and secure" and are "eager to learn".
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With a "culture of respect" evident at the nursery, staff are reported to offer parents guidance and reassurance, while "expertly us[ing] children's interests" and planning "exciting learning adventures".
The report also states that staff have "unwavering high expectations" for children, and are "excellent role models who are excited to complete their roles with enthusiasm and compassion".
Staff are also reported to provide "meaningful learning" and "seize every opportunity to extend children's vocabulary".
After noticing "significant gaps in the emotional development of some children" since the pandemic, school leaders have also engaged in "extensive professional development" to ensure all children are "exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their learning".
Ofsted inspectors also note that the school's leadership is "inspirational", where "highly skilled" staff are "extremely well supported", while children's needs are "at the heart of every decision".
The children who attend Appy Little Plums are said to "beam with pride" with some of the activities they get involved with, and are "mesmerised by the inviting experiences on offer".
Meanwhile, parents are "overwhelmingly grateful for the support that staff offer them", and safeguarding arrangements are reported to be effective at the nursery.
After the Ofsted report was published online, Appy Little Plums shared a statement: "It is now an absolute pleasure that after 4 weeks of waiting we are able to share our report and judgement, and shout [it] from the rooftops.
"It makes us very proud to be able to share this with everyone.
"We would like to thank all our Parents / Carers for you ongoing support and also a special thank you to every member of our team, you are all OUTSTANDING."
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