Calderdale nursery and forest school where children feel “safe, confident and ready to learn” praised in latest Ofsted inspection

Sowerby Bridge Day Nursery and Forest School, on Victoria Road, was inspected in May and a report published August 3.

All six key areas of inspection were graded at the Strong Standard, meaning leaders are working above the standard expected of them.

The inspector praised the setting for enabling children to form positive relationships with others and mirror positive language modelled by staff.

The report said: “For example, while using the rope swing, children wait patiently and safely for their turn, encouraging and supporting one another during play.”

It added: “By the time they leave, they are confident, capable learners, who are well prepared for the next stage in their education, including school.”

Under the area of behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, the inspector described the children’s behaviour as “exemplary.”

She said: “Leaders and staff set exceptionally high expectations for behaviour, resulting in children's behaviour and attitudes being exemplary.”

The report praised the nursery’s approach to welfare and wellbeing, adding that “every child feels safe, valued and supported, with their individual needs recognised and met through nurturing, consistent practice.”

The report also highlighted the benefits of the setting’s use of its woodland area to “enrich children’s learning experiences.”

It said: “Walks along the canal and visits to the park provide valuable opportunities for babies, toddlers and older children to develop their balance, coordination, core strength and gross motor skills.

“Staff teach children how to move safely across uneven surfaces and climb with increasing control and confidence.

“This supports children's physical wellbeing while also helping to build their resilience, confidence and independence.

“Children gain increasing independence in daily tasks and show pride in their achievements.”

The report said the next steps for the nursery were for leaders to “ensure continued improvement in the setting's successful work to remove barriers for children who need extra help to realise a transformational impact on all children's achievement and wellbeing.”

It concluded that children at the nursery felt “safe, confident and ready to learn.”

Nursery Director Lorna Dow said: “This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication, passion and professionalism of our incredible team, who work tirelessly every day to provide the highest quality care and education for every child.”