TotSpot Nursery at Dean Clough rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted

The nursery is praised for its exceptionally high standards, superb knowledge of the children in their care and the stimulating and rich learning experience they provide.

The curriculum is implemented incredibly well, the report says, and the nursery has exceptionally high expectations of what children can achieve.

The report says teaching is inspiring and of a remarkably high standard, and all children, including those with special education needs and/or disabilities, achieve to the highest levels.

Leaders are highly committed and passionate about maintaining their exceptionally high standards, the report says, and they work extremely well with parents and other professionals involved in a child’s care to seek their feedback.

Leaders meticulously monitor staff performance and continuously observe their interactions with children, Ofsted found, while staff are proactive and dedicated to their professional development.

Staff closely observe children during their play and complete meticulous assessments of theirlearning, the report says, and staff share this information with parents and consider their views when planning what children need to achieve next.

The report says that staff coherently plan a stimulating and rich learning environment where children are free to explore and have wonderful experiences, and take every opportunity to develop children’s mathematical and language skills during their play.

Children’s behaviour is exemplary, the inspector found, and they have high levels of respect and build wonderful relationships with staff and their friends.

Staff complete yoga and meditation sessions to build children’s self-awareness and help them learn how to regulate their emotions, the report says, while children develop excellent independent self-care skills.

Leaders and staff also give high regard to safeguarding and child protection.

In July 2019, nursery manager Becky Thompson and business manager Andrea Dyson undertook a management buyout of Totspot Day Nursery.T

his opportunity came after Becky had held the fort for almost 18 months whilst Andrea had been off work battling breast cancer.

”The main driver was the fantastic staff team that are employed and the quality of childcare being delivered,” said Becky.

”They have worked consistently hard to maintain the nursery’s reputation and its outstanding rating.

“It is a testament to the whole team and the hard work that we have all put in to ensure that we have achieved outstanding for the third consecutive inspection.

”Our sole purpose is to ensure that we are delivering the highest quality childcare with highly trained staff.

”From all the lovely comments and feedback we receive from parents we know they appreciate the work our staff do to ensure that each and every child receives the best care.

”This was recognised at the inspection and the Ofsted Inspector in her verbal feedback described our setting as exemplary.

”Wow! It was heartening to see our vision being recognised through an Ofsted Inspector’s eyes.”