Nursery celebrates outstanding rating

Layton Hill Nursery on Carr Gate was praised by the government body for its effective leadership, high-quality teaching, exceptional development and positive outcomes for children.

An Ofsted report following an inspection in early January read: “The passionate and dedicated management team and staff have high expectations of themselves and what children can achieve.

“Staff use their superb knowledge and experience to skilfully plan a rich, varied and purposeful learning environment. Children are thriving.

“They show kindness and respect to each other and play together extremely well.

“Almost all children, including those who have special educational needs or disabilities, are making significant progress from their starting points.

“Staff are superb role models and provide children with clear and consistent reminders and explanations. Children’s behaviour is exemplary.

“Children are extremely happy, confident and self-assured as their physical and emotional well-being is met incredibly well.”

The overall ‘outstanding’ rating is a step-up for the nursery, which was rated ‘good’ following its previous inspection in 2013.

Ruth Murdoch, senior manager at Layton Hill Nursery, said: “We are absoutely ecstatic and over the moon because the judgement was outstanding in all areas, and all the time they are increasing how hard it is to get the outstanding rating.

“A lot of the parents said they wouldn’t expect anything less and that it’s what we deserve, because a lot of them have been with us for a number of years.

“A number of parents who have now actually attended as children themselves.”

Layton Hill Nursery was founded by nursery owner Terri Bridge in Layton 1991, and was later moved to Cleveleys in 2013.

Its latest Ofsted report is the third ‘outstanding’ rating achieved by the nursery.

Terri said: “In the report it mentions the passion and dedication of the management team and staff. That sums it up - passionate and dedicated.

“I have some fantastic staff here. Some of them have been with me for more than 15 years.”

So what is the secret to a successful nursery?

Ruth said: “It’s all about the child having fun and creating a fun and safe learning environment.

“It has to be a happy environment. If the child is not happy they won’t be able to learn.

“We’re definitely hoping to hold onto the outstanding rating next time and I’m sure we will do it.

“This is the third time we have had an outstanding rating and and to get it three times is an achievement that is excellent in itself.”

Read about the nursery’s previous Ofsted reports here