A nursery run by Brighter Futures for Children has been judged ‘Good’ following a full Ofsted inspection.
The Lodge, at Southcote Children’s Centre, provides full day care for up to 42 children aged two to four-years-old.
The inspector awarded a ‘Good’ rating in all the key areas of: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
The report says days are structured to enable children to spend a significant amount of time outdoors and that they show excitement as they explore with their friends. Children access activities which spark their imagination and they are confident to follow their own interests.
Children are familiar with the daily routines, such as washing their hands on arrival, and staff sensitively encourage them to understand the importance of personal hygiene routines, the inspector says.
All children were found to be making good progress in their learning, and parents commented that their young ones loved attending the nursery and were progressing well.
The report highlights that support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and for disadvantaged children is a particular strength of the nursery.
It continues: “All children enjoy the wide variety of experiences on offer and make good progress from their developmental starting points.”
The inspector notes that children enjoy playing in a safe and secure environment and that daily checks are carried out to ensure resources and equipment are in good condition.
Recommendations to further improve the nursery include; helping parents to become more actively involved in their children’s learning at home and to ensure children of all abilities are sufficiently challenged.
Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “I am delighted to read of the very positive findings from the Ofsted inspection of The Lodge. It is encouraging to hear that the children make good progress and that they show such excitement and imagination in their learning.
“Congratulations to all the staff who work so hard to ensure children learn and develop in such interesting and inspiring ways.”
Cllr Ashley Pearce, Lead Councillor for Education, said: “Well done to everyone at The Lodge for providing such a fun and caring environment for all children who attend.
“This is a vital stage of a young child’s growth and development and I am proud we have such good provision for Reading’s families.”
The inspection took place on 16 August and the full Ofsted report can be found on their website here