'˜Outstanding' nursery gives children a HeadStart

HeadStart Day Nursery, which is based at Collyers Sixth Form College, received the top rating after a visit by inspector Amanda Tyson on October 5.

Ms Tyson said the nursery left children “exceptionally well prepared” for the step up to primary school, describing them as “motivated and highly independent”.

She added: “Parents unanimously describe staff as going ‘above and beyond’ in supporting children’s individual needs.”

Among the points highlighted for praise in Ms Tyson’s report was the ability of older children to develop “strong early writing and mathematical skills” and being able to link letters to sounds.

In addition, the nursery had been awarded the Millie’s Mark endorsement, showing it exceeded the minimum safety requirements.

HeadStart, which will be celebrating its 21st birthday next year, had been rated ‘good’ at its previous inspection in 2013.

The improved rating left manager Sallyanne Kasey delighted.

She said: “We are extremely proud of our staff team and grateful for their continued support of the nursery; their commitment to the welfare of the children is who make HeadStart ‘outstanding’.”

She added: “The support and comments from the parents following our report has been overwhelming.

“One parent quoted: “We already knew you were outstanding – Ofsted has just caught up!”

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