Inspectors say children were blossoming
Generic image of pre-school toys
A nursery in south Gloucestershire has been praised by Ofsted for creating a happy and nurturing environment where children ‘relish being outdoors’ and develop strong independence and language skills.
Abacus Pre School, based at Baileys Court Activity Centre in Bradley Stoke, was rated Good across all areas following its latest inspection on Wednesday, February 5.
The early years setting, which currently has 46 children on roll and offers 28 places for two to four-year-olds, is run by Learning Through Play Ltd.
Inspectors noted that children arrive “happy, and those new to the setting soon settle and have fun learning”.
In their report, Ofsted said: “Staff build positive relationships with children and their families before they start at the setting.
“Staff get to know what children can already do so they plan successfully to meet their care and development needs from the beginning.”
Inspectors highlighted the well-structured curriculum designed to support children’s development in preparation for school.
“Leaders plan a good curriculum to prepare children well for school, focusing on their prime areas of development. Staff encourage children’s independence, language skills, relationships and active learning,” the report states.
“Children relish being outdoors, where they practise their physical abilities, know how to dress for the weather and learn to make safe choices.”
Inspectors were particularly impressed with how staff support children’s resilience and critical thinking: “They encourage children to produce their own ideas and use trial and error to see if they work”.
Ofsted observed that leaders evaluate their practice effectively and “implement new initiatives to benefit the children.” One such example was increasing outdoor learning, which “has had a positive impact on children’s behaviour and well-being.”
The report added: “Leaders have helped staff to take responsibility for a specific area of learning each term to ensure a balanced curriculum. They have introduced peer observations and leaders are strong role models to ensure children receive good-quality teaching overall”.
Parents were also found to be strong partners in the nursery’s approach. “They comment on the good exchange of information, which helps them to support their children at home and staff to meet their children’s needs,” the report notes.
“They confirm how well their children are progressing, especially in their language skills and making friends”.
Staff’s support for behaviour was also commended, with the team having received refresher training. “They consistently support children in taking turns and thinking of others.
Staff help children to consider their own and others’ emotions and the consequences of their actions, reinforcing this using stories. Children develop a positive awareness of their own uniqueness and other people’s differences. They learn to value each other, share and be kind”.
The setting also scored highly for its focus on health and safety. “Staff implement good care practices so children develop an important understanding of a safe and healthy lifestyle,” the report says.
Examples included children helping themselves to water, using tissues hygienically, and confidently managing age-appropriate risks such as climbing low trees and using tools.
Ofsted praised how leaders use funding to ensure that “all children access good experiences.” The report highlights how additional staff are deployed for higher-risk activities or community outings, and specific resources are bought to match children’s interests. “Leaders are proactive in getting children additional support, ensuring they receive the help they need to catch up with their peers before going to school”.
Inspectors did, however, identify a couple of areas for improvement. These included developing staff’s awareness of when children may not be engaging fully and ensuring clearer instructions are given during group activities.
“On occasion, however, not all staff give clear instructions, particularly in large-group activities, so not all children understand what they must do,” the report notes.
Nevertheless, the overall tone of the report was positive, with safeguarding described as effective and “an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interests first”.
Abacus Pre School is open during term time from 8.30am to 3.15pm and employs four staff, one of whom holds a level 5 early years qualification, with others qualified at levels 3 and 2. It was last inspected in April 2019 and has retained its ‘Good’ rating.