A DAY care nursery has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Government inspectors.

Ofsted pays glowing tribute to Little Blossoms, at Cross Hills.

Quality of teaching and learning at the Station Road nursery is described as consistently high, with staff providing a “highly accessible and vibrant” learning environment.

“They offer high-quality interactions with the children – igniting motivation and enthusiasm to learn,” says inspector, Ellen McAughey.

“Staff also make sharply-focused use of assessments to support children’s next steps in learning and are highly successful in supporting the children to be ready for school.

“All staff have an outstanding knowledge of the early years foundation stage.”

During the inspection, teaching and activities throughout the nursery – including outdoors – were observed, documents were examined and discussions took place with staff and parents.

Ofsted – which was carrying out its second inspection since the nursery became Little Blossoms – said the manager and staff had developed excellent relationships with other professionals, agencies and local schools.

The management team was praised for implementing “exceptionally effective” monitoring processes.

“Staff attend regular training and consistently pass on knowledge and learning to colleagues,” says Ofsted’s report.

“That learning is evaluated to ensure it has the maximum impact on the children’s development.”

Each child’s emotional wellbeing is “expertly fostered”, the report continues.

“The role of the ‘key person’ is fully embedded, with each member of staff understanding their responsibilities to ensure that children feel safe and secure at all times.”

It adds that highly successful partnership working enables parents to actively participate in every aspect of their children’s learning.

Ofsted says each child’s needs are effectively met by “enthusiastic” staff, who are “supported well by the strong leadership and management team”.

As a result of recent expansion, children are offered a “highly exciting learning environment” and “confidently move around their new spaces and select from a wide range of resources independently”.

The youngsters listen to each other during activities and are “kind and considerate” towards their friends.

Sarah Hepworth, the nursery director, said everyone at Little Blossoms was delighted with the report.

“We’re the only nursery in our area with an ‘outstanding’ rating and we are very proud of our achievement,” she added.

The nursery’s previous inspection was in 2014, when it was graded as ‘good’.