Sunnybrow nursery receives outstanding OFSTED

The nursery, on Greenside, had its inspection on November 24.

The report upgraded the nursery, which offers full-day care for children up to three, from good to outstanding.

It praised the manager and staff team for planning and implementing a 'highly effective curriculum.' It continued: "This enables children throughout the nursery to follow their interests, embed their knowledge and progress towards highly ambitious outcomes. Staff support children's exceptional desire for learning.

READ MORE: Kendal College receives 'requires improvement' OFSTED

"They enable them to experience the awe and wonder of the world in which they live. An impressive commitment to inclusion helps to ensure that all children, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), have full access to their early education entitlement.

"Children are happy, focused, curious and active."

The inspectors praised the learning environment at the nursery (Image: Sunnybrow nursery)

The report called the manager 'experienced and highly motivated.' The staff introduce specific word sounds to babies such as 'zoom' and 'brum' to enhance children's oral development through playing with toy vehicles, the report states. 

The nursery also 'strongly promotes' a love of books and stories with the children showing excitement at choosing books to read with staff during circle time. 

The inspectors praised the children's behaviour and level of respect for others, and the expectations of staff. They also said that the curriculum is effective at helping children understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through learning about their bodies and eating. 

The soft play equipment also allows children to build their physical skills: "By the time children reach pre-school, they can balance on tyres and manage obstacle courses with skill." 

The director of Sunnybrow Daycare Peter Graveson said: "Our future plans will be dedicated to creating a secure and joyful environment where children can learn, develop, and enjoy themselves. We are excited about our upcoming project, which involves the introduction of a new outdoor area for the children to explore, develop independence and embrace the freedom of their surroundings. We always aim to provide local parents with reliability and a warm welcoming atmosphere, making our nursery a second home for their children."

This was the first routine inspection the nursery has received since before the beginning of the pandemic. The inspector observed the quality of the education provided and spoke to staff and parents.