Celebrating Success: Hitchin Nursery Achieves 'Good' Ofsted Rating
We are thrilled to share the news that our Hitchin nursery has received a 'Good' rating from Ofsted!
This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion our team puts into providing exceptional care and learning experiences for the children who attend. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the highlights from the inspection report.
Our curriculum fosters a love for learning, supporting each child’s growth and providing a strong foundation for their future success. Ofsted stated that “Staff implement an ambitious curriculum that is embedded well throughout the nursery. Activities are thoughtfully planned to extend children's curiosity and sequence their learning” and that the children show positive attitudes towards learning.
At our nursery, staff "act as positive role models and set out clear expectations," creating a supportive environment where children are encouraged to behave well. By helping children learn routines and "effectively manage transitions," staff ensure that every child feels secure and supported, promoting their overall well-being. Additionally, our team demonstrates a deep understanding of each child's unique development, showing "good knowledge of children's next steps." They provide a "rich range of learning experiences" to support these individual needs, ensuring that each child is given the right opportunities to grow and thrive.
It was highlighted that physical development is strongly supported at the nursery, both indoors and outdoors. “Activities such as yoga sessions help children practice balance, coordination, and mindfulness”, encouraging them to develop essential motor skills. “Outdoor play further enhances motor skills, with children actively involving staff as they engaging in activities, such as painting, trike riding, and mud kitchen play.”
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive strong support at our nursery. “Staff promote a collaborative approach, working closely with both parents and external professionals” to ensure each child’s needs are met effectively. The nursery maintains an inclusive environment, with staff “liaising regularly with the team to adapt spaces and implement strategies that meet individual learning needs”. This ensures that all children, regardless of their abilities, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed.
The inspector also reported how highly valued our partnership with parents is, commenting on how “families engaged through events, such as stay-and-play sessions, grandparents' days, and festivals” and kept informed and involved through newsletters, boards, and more.
Speaking on the inspection, Jeni Goss, Head of Early Years, Safeguarding & Compliance at Toad Hall Nursery said, "We are delighted with Toad Hall Hitchin’s recent Ofsted outcome of ‘Good! The manager and her team have worked incredibly hard, and I am thrilled that Ofsted recognised their ambitious curriculum and how well the staff play alongside children and narrate their play helping them to hear and learn new words.
The staff team were praised for acting as positive role models for the children and for valuing children’s voices. Ofsted commented that:
“Staff provide activities that are thoughtfully planned to extend children’s curiosity and scaffold their learning.”
The team were also praised for their strong SEND provision and were recognised for the collaborative approach they use with parents, as well as the tools they use to help SEND children to have a positive start to their day.
Staff reported to Ofsted that they feel valued, appreciated, and feel their achievements are celebrated. The team certainly have a lot to celebrate after such a strong inspection, we are incredibly proud of them."
To read the full report, click here.
To find out more about Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin or to book a tour, email hitchin@toadhall-nursery.co.uk or call 01462 450354.
