'A warm, family-focused setting' - South Shropshire pre-school where children 'thrive' rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted
A south Shropshire pre-school where children "thrive in a nurturing, ambitious and inclusive environment" has been rated 'Outstanding' across the board by Ofsted.
Little Acorns Pre-School based at Rushbury Primary School near Church Stretton has received the top grade in all four inspection categories - the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management - following an inspection on September 23.
Inspectors praised the setting for meeting children's needs "exceptionally well" and for providing nurturing care in a "warm, family-focused" environment.
In their report, Ofsted said Little Acorns benefits "enormously" from its rural setting and that a commitment to outdoor learning plays a key role in children's development.
Leaders at the nursery also received glowing feedback, with parents described as being overwhelmingly positive about the pre-school.
"Staff provide a wonderfully warm and cheerful welcome as children and parents arrive at this small, family-focused nursery," the report said.
"The well-resourced environment and thoughtfully provided play activities promote independence and consistently high levels of engagement.
"They set simple, appropriate expectations, such as using 'kind hands', and model these consistently. Gentle reminders help children to make positive choices. Children are polite and considerate. They demonstrate exceptional behaviour from a very young age."
"Leadership is strong. Managers drive improvement through ambitious vision and investment in staff training. Staff feel valued, confident and are highly skilled.
"Partnerships with parents are superb. Families describe the nursery as warm, friendly and family like, where staff know each child as an individual. They note that children settle quickly and that staff are attentive, keeping them well informed.
"This enables all children to truly thrive in a nurturing, ambitious and inclusive environment, where their individual needs are exceptionally well met."
The pre-school was praised for promoting children's physical development "superbly" through a range of engaging activities. Children are said to enjoy exploring the outdoor environment, using rope swings and climbing tyres.
The report also noted that children enjoy regular trips within the local community and further afield - visiting places including the library, a care home and museums.
Inspectors said staff use activities such as making Chinese New Year dragons to raise children's awareness of other cultures, helping children to "develop a growing sense of their place in the local community and an understanding of the wider world".
The full report can be read here.
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