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Outstanding! Institute nursery retains Outstanding OFSTED rating

Babraham Institute’s has maintained its ‘Outstanding’ rating following its recent OFSTED inspection on 12^th April. The nursery was in each of the four following assessment areas: 1) effectiveness of the leadership and management, 2) quality of teaching, learning and assessment, 3) personal development, behaviour and development, and 4) outcomes for children.

The report particularly highlighted the nursery’s individual approach to each child, using individual interests to engage children in activities, and its success in working closely together with parents. The nursery’s commitment to staff training and staff support was also recognised as an underpinning factor to its success.

During the assessment, OFSTED inspectors observed the quality of teaching both indoors and outdoors, completed joint observations with the nursery’s management, assessed all relevant documentation and spoke to a number of parents. The inspectors found the ‘children’s behaviour [to be] exemplary. They learn to express their feelings and emotions in a safe environment with people who deeply care for them’. The children were observed to ‘make rapid progress from their starting points’.
 

Inspection findings: "Children have exceptional opportunities to choose where and how they learn. Children are thoroughly delighted by the Forest School inspired woodland area where they investigate the herbs, picking them to add to their creative potions. Staff are attentive listeners who never miss an opportunity to help children think more deeply or to encourage them to explore and find their own solutions to any problems they encounter. Children across the nursery are highly imaginative and staff make excellent use of the opportunities to exploit the learning potential in pretend play."

Alison Bishop, Nursery Manager said: “I am delighted that the nursery received another Outstanding rating. Our success is down to each and every member of staff and I couldn’t be more proud of our shared success. Our vision for the nursery is to be a place where each individual child is cared for, encouraged and supported and it’s great to see this recognised in the report. In addition to my fabulous team, I’d also like to thank all of the parents who took time to submit comments and who met with the inspectors.”

The nursery provides childcare for children of and Babraham 51���� Campus staff in addition to the local community. Situated within the grounds of the Babraham 51���� Campus and operated by the Institute, the nursery offers five welcoming rooms, each focused on enhancing the abilities of the particular age range it caters for, combined with extensive outdoor space offering climbing equipment and play area, a woodland trail, mud kitchen and vegetable plot.

The nursery has developed tight links with the local community it serves. It manages the Babraham Primary School’s after school club and runs the ‘Funpack’ school-holiday programme of activities.

Speaking about the nursery’s latest Outstanding rating, Institute Director Professor Michael Wakelam, said: “I’m delighted that the nursery has maintained its Outstanding rating. It is a much valued resource and a core part of the Institute community. I’d like to wish all nursery staff congratulations on their achievement in addition to stating my wholehearted appreciation for their work on behalf all of families who use or have used the nursery.”

The report can be accessed from the nursery’s . For enquiries about the nursery, please contact Alison Bishop, Nursery Manager, babraham.nursery@babraham.ac.uk, 01223 496200.

Image credit: Claire Moir