Previously 'inadequate' nursery bounces back with new and improved rating

A Taplow nursery and pre-school has been upgraded to an ‘expected standard’ rating by Ofsted – bouncing back after an ‘Inadequate’ rating last year.

Partou Silchester Manor Day Nursery & Pre-school is based in Bath Road.

Its new ‘expected standard’ rating puts it in the middle of the education watchdog’s five-point scale which ranges from ‘exceptional’ to ‘urgent improvement.’

The rating follows a downgrade in July last year under the old system, when the nursery’s rating fell from Good to Inadequate due to safety concerns.

Inspectors at the time raised concerns over children self-serving food without adult supervision, presenting a choking hazard.

The report also questioned how effectively staff were teaching children to be safe.

In the latest inspection, carried out on December 10, Ofsted said staff supervise children effectively to ensure their safety during key transition times, during meals and while youngsters are having a nap.

Inspectors said staff swiftly identify when children need extra help and provide tailored support to meet their needs.

For example, they recognise when some children have trouble focusing during group activities and provide smaller tailored group activities for shorter episodes.

As a result, these children are showing more concentration when interacting with a wider group.

Older children demonstrate high levels of focus and perseverance during problem-solving activities. They are confident communicators and use a wide range of language as they role play with other children. Young children develop their coordination skills in the garden as they climb apparatus, navigate obstacle courses and successfully pedal on tricycles.

“They delight in the warm praise, build their resilience and keep trying,” wrote Ofsted. “Children visibly relish the company of staff.”

The report said staff support children to take safe and managed risks in the outdoor area. Children enjoy the outdoor environment, where they have ample opportunities for fresh air and exercise.

However, the curriculum for outdoor play does not ensure that children can consistently access a broader ranger of meaningful learning opportunities when playing outside.

Ofsted said the school’s management team recognises more could be done to enhance the outdoor curriculum; the nursery has been through a period of transition, and the new management team has clear ambitions for what it wants to achieve.

SEND children (special educational needs and/or disabilities) are fully included in all aspects of nursery life and have equal access to the curriculum.

Children who need extra support and help with their learning and those with SEND benefit from effective strategies.

Leaders ensure that the key-person system in the baby room is flexible to meet the needs of individual children. This helps babies to form secure attachments.

Staff support younger children positively to help them to understand their emotions. They are starting to recognise when they feel sad or angry and adopt strategies to regulate their emotions.

Leaders have a clear vision for their curriculum. Staff encourage older children to use mathematical language as they compare shape, size and number.

However, Ofsted found at times, staff do not fully extend children's learning or ensure all children benefit fully from the intended learning during focused activities.

Leaders are proud of their multi-cultural setting and ensure all children gain a sense of belonging, Ofsted wrote.

They are committed to ensuring all children make continual progress in their learning, no matter what their background or barriers they face to their learning.

This includes how to identify when children might be entitled to additional funding.

Leaders and staff work collaboratively with parents, carers and other professionals. They take account of advice from external professionals to provide support for children with SEND.

Overall, parents and carers are highly positive in their feedback about the nursery. They generally feel well informed about their child's achievements and ways they can support their children.

Daniel Graver, Partou Silchester Manor Nursery manager, said: “The Ofsted report underlines the professionalism and dedication they bring to the nursery every day, which positively impacts the personal development of the children as they set off on their learning journey.”

Samantha Rhodes, Partou managing director, said: “Alongside the strong bonds formed with the children, the inspector highlights the collaborative work between team members, families and external professionals to enable all children to make the progress they are capable of.

“These are vital interactions which make such a difference in preparation for school life.”