A CHIPPING Sodbury nursery’s well-behaved children and “devoted” staff have been praised by an inspector.
Ofsted visited First Steps Day Nursery in Hounds Road in April – its first visit for nearly six years.
The watchdog’s report said the nursery was ‘good’ overall, and children’s behaviour and attitudes were ‘outstanding’.
Inspector Charlotte Adcock said the nursery has a clear and ambitious curriculum, which staff embed through their planning and daily practice.
She said: “Children are warmly welcomed by the friendly and devoted staff, whom they have formed secure relationships with.
“Children are friendly and confidently talk about what they are doing. They behave exceptionally well and are respectful of their friends and staff.”
The report said staff “enthusiastically” join in with children’s play and use these moments to extend children’s learning, such as their mathematical understanding.
The inspector found parents had many positive things to say about the nursery, feeling that their children were “in safe hands”.
She said: “Parents comment that there is a ‘strong sense of community and belonging’. They feel included in every part of their child’s learning and understand their next steps and progress.”
The report praised staff for carefully planning a range of opportunities based on children’s interests and what they need to learn next.
The inspector said: “This positively ignites children’s curiosity and thirst for learning. Children particularly enjoy group-time activities.
“Overall, staff challenge children’s abilities and check they understand what is being taught.”
Children with special educational needs or disabilities were supported “exceptionally well”, the report said.
The inspector said that to further improve, staff should work to consistently meet the needs of all children who take part in group times, especially those who are quieter than others.
First Steps proprietors Clare Saphier & Hollie Dennis said: “We are very proud of all of the children and staff at First Steps and we feel that the inspector experienced the warm, friendly and positive nursery environment.
“We were particularly pleased to be awarded ‘outstanding’ in behaviour and attitudes. The children were praised for their exceptional behaviour and staff were recognised for being great role models and being respectful.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our dedicated, enthusiastic and highly motivated staff who make First Steps the happy nursery that it is.”