Outstanding nursery praise

Peek A Boo Nursery, Cleveleys (L-R) Owner Sarah Bellamy, Area Manager Nikola Stott, HR Claire Black and Nursery Manager Claire Traynor.

Staff at the nursery were described as ‘truly inspirational’ and praised for the ‘close and trusted relationships’ children form with their dedicated support workers. Quality of teaching, children’s development, behaviour and welfare were all found to be of the highest standard.

The rating has improved since 2013, and the inspector said the team had made ‘vast changes’ in order to achieve the highest level in every area. Credit was also given for staff training and management, vigilance over safety and risk assessments.

Nursery owner Sarah Bellamy, who bought the business in 2009, said the team had worked exceptionally hard to make improvements.

“I’m so pleased for the staff to have been recognised in this way,” she said. “They do an amazing job day-in, day-out and love what they do.

“We’ve been really lucky with recruitment and have brought in some fabulous nursery teachers and childcare specialists who have implemented the policies which have resulted in this improvement. I think the findings we’re most proud of are those which say the children make ‘outstanding progress’ and are ‘highly valued’, and the recognition of the great relationships fostered with our parents.

“The inspector praised our ‘Magic Moments’ and ‘Ask Me About’ techniques which are everyday things the staff do to help children learn and develop in ways which are natural and fun for them.

“We also put a lot of emphasis on providing a healthy environment, with lots of outdoor play, weekly football and drama sessions, and our in-house chef provides a menu which follows recipes from leading child nutritionist Annabel Karmel.”

The only recommendation for improvement made by the inspector, who visited on May 16, was to “continue to enhance children’s knowledge of different mathematical concepts to an even higher level.”

Nursery manager Claire Traynor said: “The inspector acknowledged this was something we had already identified and have already added lots of new maths resources to help achieve these improvements.”

Peek-a-boo is part of the Poppy and Jacks Nursery Group and is set to be renamed Poppy and Jacks Cleveleys within the coming weeks.