It’s all smiles at Sandwell Day Nursery as they celebrate ‘Good’ Ofsted rating

Colleagues and children at Sandwell Day Nursery are celebrating after receiving another ‘Good’ rating following a visit from Ofsted earlier this year. The nursery, which has been open since 1979, has received a ‘Good’ after every Ofsted inspection.

In their first inspection following the COVID-19 pandemic, Ofsted looked at four areas before awarding an overall effectiveness rating. Nursery Manager, Emma Collier explains more: “Similar to CQC, Ofsted look at different domains which contribute towards the overall rating.

“They look at the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

“We achieved a ‘Good’ in all these areas and were awarded a ‘Good’ for overall effectiveness, which I am delighted with.”

The report highlighted the ‘kind and nurturing staff’ and describes the behaviour of the children as ‘excellent.’ They were particularly impressed by the outdoor education on offer at the nursery.

“We have really improved the outdoor area at the nursery since Ofsted last visited,” said Emma.

“We have an allotment area in which we grow our own tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots. We have some new imaginative play equipment and a new mud kitchen which the children absolutely love.

“I am incredibly proud of the staff; they work so hard to make coming to nursery the best experience for our children and they deserve to be recognised.”

Radiographer, Rebecca Sargent, uses the nursery to look after her two-year-old son, Otis. She said: “Otis has been coming to Sandwell Day nursery since he was nine months old and during COVID it was tough as we weren't able to go round and look but the staff were amazing and he loved it from the start.

“He goes every day with a smile on his face as the staff are so kind and caring. Every day is always full of fun, but educational things to do and with the daily updates it is so nice to know what he's been up to.

“I am going to be sad when he leaves as it has been a wonderful place to send him.”

Jessica Downing, Data Coordinator, also uses the nursery to care for her son Archie who is two years old. She added: “Archie is excited every morning to attend nursery and is immediately greeted with a friendly welcome by the nursery staff. They are always on hand to offer advice and reassurance.

“At pick up time Archie is always happy and super excited to show me what he's made at nursery that day. It really is a brilliant nursery!”

The nursery is open from 7.15am-5.30pm Monday to Friday and can cater for up to 68 children between the ages of 0 and five years old. For more information please e-mail emma.collier@nhs.net

You can read the full report here: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/ file/50214617