'Children enjoy their time' - New Ofsted report into Blackpool nursery
A Blackpool nursery has been rated up to the expected standards in most categories by Ofsted, but attention is needed when it comes to curriculum and teaching.
The Ofsted inspector was satisfied that safeguarding standards are being met at Play Days Nursery on Salthouse Avenue, while ‘expected standard’ was the verdict in the report sections on achievement; behaviour, attitudes and establishing routine; children’s welfare and wellbeing, inclusion and leadership and governance.
On curriculum and teaching, the report says: “Leaders have a sound overview of the quality and delivery of the curriculum and understand where improvements should still be made.
“However, while teaching is typically of appropriate quality, it is not consistent or always adapted for children's ages and stages of development, particularly around their communication and language skills.”
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Under the section of the the report headed ‘What it’s like to be a child at Play Days’, the inspector said: “Changes in the leadership team have informed positive change in the provision.
“Leaders recognise that they have further improvements to make and that it is an ongoing process.
“They understand that some changes and training opportunities have not yet had a significant impact on staff's practice and children's progress.
“Children enjoy their time in this setting and staff work hard to build secure relationships with them from the outset.
“Staff help children to develop skills and knowledge that they need for their future learning, including as they move on to school.
“Children learn to concentrate and focus, contributing their ideas and thoughts during group times.
“Staff know children well and understand their needs and staring points, building their confidence and self-esteem from the start and they thoughtfully consider and reduce barriers to children's learning and wellbeing.
“For instance, they work closely with children to support their emotional wellbeing, helping them to be ready to learn.
“Children learn how to manage friendships and their emotional responses. They get along well together and build independence skills, which support them in life.
“Families are involved and included in their children's learning, and home links are secure. Leaders support families to help children to attend regularly.”
As far as next steps are concerned, the report says that the nursery should “ensure consistent delivery of the curriculum, adapting teaching and interactions to reflect the varying needs of children, particularly around their communication and language. “