It was praised in its first inspection report since being taken over by new management
Kids Planet Shortwood Lodge received its first Ofsted inspection since taking over the site of Butterflies Day Nursery in Mangotsfield(Image: Kids Planet Day Nurseries)
A nursery on the site of a former golf club has been praised for the ‘strong bonds’ its staff create with the children enrolled there.
Kids Planet Shortwood Lodge was praised by Ofsted inspectors in their first visit to the nursery since Kids Planet acquired the site from former operator Butterflies Day Nursery in July 2024. The nursery is based within the grounds of the former Shortwood Lodge golf club in Mangotsfield, just off the A4174 Ring Road.
“Staff form strong bonds with children,” the report said. “They create a calm and welcoming space, where children feel safe and secure.
“Staff work closely with parents and carers to provide consistency and emotional support. From the first settling-in session, staff respond gently to children’s needs.”
Ofsted inspectors awarded Kids Planet Shortwood Lodge an overall rating of ‘Good’ in the new nursery’s first inspection. The nursery was also praised for giving children lots of opportunities to play outside and for providing them with healthy meals.
Staff were also complimented for the support they offered to toddlers who had yet to learn how to speak.
“Children with speech delays receive repetition, prompts and gentle encouragement,” the report said. “These approaches help children to speak clearly and listen with confidence.”
Kids Planet is responsible for educating over 30,000 young children across more than 240 nurseries around the UK. The group has also recently acquired two other nurseries in Bristol: Torwood House Nursery in Redland and St Andrew’s Park Nursery in St Andrew’s.
Despite a generally positive report, the Shortwood Lodge nursery was told it could do more to encourage quieter children to get involved in activities.
“While staff respond well to children’s individual needs during adult-led activities, they do not always encourage quieter children to interact with their peers,” the report said. “Some children stand on the sidelines during free-flow play, finding it difficult to join in or build new friendships.”
Kids Planet Shortwood Lodge is currently fully subscribed, with 118 children enrolled. Due to the positive outcome of this year’s Ofsted report, inspectors will visit it again within the next six years, per the regulator’s guidelines.