Outstanding nursery where tots do ‘baby ballroom’ praised

An ‘outstanding’ nursery where giggling tots do ‘baby ballroom’ and are played classical music has been praised by the education watchdog in a glowing report.

Ofsted has handed its highest possible rating to Simon House Nursery and Pre-School, based in Oldham.

The Ashton Road nursery was found to be outstanding in every area, from the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, to personal development and leadership and management.

Heaping praise upon the early years facility, Ofsted said that the 74 children on its roll were able to have many extra-curricular experiences, including swimming lessons and music sessions ‘led by experts’.

Inspector Rachel McHugh said: “Leaders and managers are exceptionally dedicated in their quest to provide children with rich experiences of the highest quality that they might not normally encounter.

“Lunchtimes are special, social occasions.

"The provider is committed to providing all children with a restaurant-quality dining experience every day.

“For example, meals are supplied by an award-winning caterer and classical music is played in the background as children enjoy their meals.

"This passion and drive exists for every child in every room.”

She was also complimentary of the atmosphere in the nursery, and the way that staff worked together under the leadership of the manager which created a ‘great spirit of teamwork’.

Simon House caters for up to a hundred children aged from one to four years old. In a rare move for the watchdog, inspector McHugh made no recommendations for improvement, highlighting the ‘exceptional’ work being done to support children’s development.

“Younger children demonstrate their happiness as they toddle purposefully around the room. They move freely in the well designed, safe space,” she stated.

“There is an atmosphere of tranquillity. Babies hold hands and face each other as they dance together in ‘baby ballroom’ activities.

"They smile and giggle with glee and excitement.

“Older children show daring, confidence and high levels of self esteem as they perform on their own in the centre of the circle during their weekly dance session.”

The watchdog report also endorsed the safeguarding arrangements, with staff understanding the whistle-blower policy, and how to record concerns and spot the first signs of abuse.

Children were also taught how to keep themselves, with youngsters knowing that only six children should travel on stairs at any time and waiting patiently until it came to their turn.

“Younger children walk carefully, holding hands, as they exit the stairs to the outdoor space,” Inspector McHugh added.

“They hold the handrail and tell each other to ‘hold on’."

She said the special educational needs coordinator at the nursery is ‘relentless in her drive to secure the very best specialist support for children who need it’.

Inspector McHugh stated: “She is not afraid to challenge partner agencies and question their decisions, such as if she feels family support is withdrawn too early or when a change in the referral process prevents children from seeing a health professional at an early stage.

“This determination helps children to continue to achieve the very best outcomes and make outstanding progress.

"Leaders and managers make huge efforts to involve children in decision-making to promote their personal development.

“Children can see their ideas come to life.

"This prepares them well for their future education and as citizens in modern Britain.”

Responding to the report, owner of the nursery Victoria Burke said all the staff were ‘delighted’ by its findings.

She added: “We strive to deliver an enriched and inclusive curriculum that creates opportunities for our children.

"I would like to thank staff, children, families, alumni, and other agencies that have supported Simon House and our principles.

“Working as one dedicated and committed group on the same journey has allowed us to achieve such high praises.”

Since Ofsted’s inspection, staff from Oldham council, and cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Eddie Moores, have also been to visit the nursery.

“It has been a delight sharing our ethos with others,” Ms Burke added.

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