Top marks for Bath nursery following recent Ofsted inspection

An Ofsted inspector has delivered a glowing report on a Bath nursery.

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Atelier Nursery at Dover Place was visited over the summer, and the inspector’s findings were published at the end of August.

The nursery was last inspected by Ofsted four years ago when it was rated as outstanding.

Ofsted’s new report card system has a grading scale with exceptional at the top, followed by strong standard, expected standard, needs attention, and urgent improvement.

Atelier is rated as exceptional for leadership and governance; children’s welfare and wellbeing; and behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines.

It is said to be of a strong standard for achievement; curriculum and teaching; and inclusion.

The inspector, who describes leaders at the nursery as “inspirational” in her report, notes: “Over many years, leaders demonstrate extremely high-quality care and education has been maintained at the nursery for all children that attend.

“This includes children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who face barriers to their learning.

“Leaders have an astute awareness of the strengths of the nursery and are experts in a range of pedagogy that influences their work.”

Staff members have opportunities annually to participate in study abroad programmes to learn about different early years pedagogy.

The inspector says: “These opportunities give staff a passion for their work. They develop a deep awareness of how to teach children and how children learn best.

“This has enhanced staff expertise enormously and ensures that practice across the nursery remains of an excellent quality for every child who attends.”

Children’s needs are said to be at the centre of every decision made at the nursery, and parents remark on the excellent progress their children make.

In all learning environments, older children, babies and toddlers mix together safely and effectively: “Children have an exceptional understanding of the expectations.

“Staff rarely need to remind children of these as they are so well embedded across the nursery and children naturally behave excellently.”

Teaching across the staff team is described as “consistently strong”, and there are many staff with exemplary teaching practice who act as excellent role models to their less-experienced peers.

The report says there is a significant focus on children’s health and wellbeing and excellent continuity of care for children from home to the nursery.

“Children develop the skills they need for their future learning and are extremely well prepared for starting school.”

The safeguarding standards are met at the nursery, where there are 71 places.