'˜Inspirational' staff at school nursery see it rated outstanding

Unity's nursery has been rated outstanding by Ofsted. Early years practitioner Vicki Swan and nursery manager Jenny Burgeen with Natalia Langford, Adam Dunn, George Walton and Faith Scroggie.

Unity Academy’s nursery, in Warbreck Hill Road, North Shore, was given a glowing report by the education watchdog, which said youngsters there make ‘excellent progress’ as they prepare for life at primary school.

Manager Jenny Burgeen, who was described by inspector Jacqueline Midgley as having a ‘real passion’, said: “I can’t tell you how pleased we are. Since the last inspection we have worked hard to further develop and extend the wonderful experiences for our children, and here is the evidence we are doing that.”

Insp Midgley visited the nursery early last month, and her report was published by Ofsted yesterday.

Unity's nursery has been rated outstanding by Ofsted. Staff and children celebrate.

In it, she said: “The quality of teaching is excellent and staff provide rich, varied, and imaginative experiences based on children’s interests and learning styles.”

She also praised the link-up between the nursery and the school, run by the Fylde Coast Academy Trust (FCAT).

“Partnerships, including with the host school, are firmly established and provide a strong contribution towards children’s care and development,” she said.

“All children are making exceptionally high rates of progress from their starting points and any gaps are narrowing rapidly. They are emotionally, intellectually, and physically extremely well prepared for the next stages in their education, including the move on to school.”

Unity's nursery has been rated outstanding by Ofsted. Nursery manager Jenny Burgeen with Scarlett Linaker and Adam Dunn.

Principal Chris Lickiss added: “We were delighted to be awarded outstanding in 2015, but to be given the accolade for the second time, with such a glowing report, is testament to how hard our nursery staff have worked to achieve the highest standards for all our children.”

Some of the nursery’s staff, who were treated to a night out by bosses for their efforts, are now expected to help FCAT’s new school, which is set to open in 2018, get up and running.

More details are set to be released about the ‘all-through’ school, which will open at the old Arnold site in Lytham Road, South Shore, in the coming days, including its name.

FCAT chiefs hope the staff will use their expertise and experience to give it a running start, while staff will also man an open day held at Unity this Saturday.

Insp Midgley said the nursery could improve even further by continuing ‘to find even more innovative ways to engage parents in their children’s learning.’

Some 90 youngsters aged two and three attend the nursery. It also employs 12 members of staff, who all hold early years qualifications between levels three and six. Two hold early years professional status, Ofsted said.

'˜Inspirational' staff at school nursery see it rated outstanding - again!