A nursery which was once rated 'outstanding' before an Ofsted inspection ordered bosses to improve the "chaotic" provision has regained a high grade.

Brighter Beginnings Nursery situated in the Fitton Hill Neighbourhood Centre on Fircroft Road looks after 50 children aged between two and four.

While the provision was given the highest possible grade of 'outstanding' by Ofsted in 2018, the education watchdog ordered the nursery to urgently improve in March last year after inspector Layla Davies found several concerning issues.

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The issues ranged from a struggling curriculum, weak behaviour rules and a "chaotic" environment where young children "cry throughout".

Lunchtime was described as a "lively occasion" as children "wander around with food in their mouths" and "throw toys".

In addition, communication and language at the setting were also deemed inadequate with the children's speaking skills hindered by the overuse of dummies.

However, in a fresh follow-up inspection in January this year, inspector Lois Hulley had plenty of praise for the nursery, rating it 'good' for its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and leadership and management, as well as 'outstanding' in the personal development of the children. 

Ms Hulley said the children are "happy" and "well cared for" at the setting as they are met with "compassionate" staff and a "well-resourced nursery".

The inspector noted improvements had been made to the quality of care and education at Brighter Beginnings, writing leaders have "reflected on the areas for development raised at the last inspection".

Bosses at the nursery have provided further staff training which has resulted in a stronger and "ambitious" curriculum that is now being taught effectively.

One such area that has vastly improved is the children's communication and language skills.

The education watchdog found staff facilitate this learning by creating "enticing activities" such as through imaginative play and reenacting stories they've read. 

While this helps children to learn new vocabulary, the inspector said all the pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make consistent progress in their learning and development.

Ms Hulley said the curriculum for personal development at the nursery is a "particular strength" as children have a wealth of opportunities to pursue their own interests and try new experiences.

When it comes to their behaviour, the youngsters understand the rules which keep them safe, one example being they 'dinosaur stomp' indoors instead of running.

Older children also demonstrate their positive attitudes and copy adults' affirmations, saying "I am kind" while the inspector said they are developing a sense of right and wrong.

The report then celebrated leaders and staff members for turning the nursery around.

The inspector said leaders have paid "significant attention" to the differing experiences children have when starting at the nursery.

Meanwhile, staff share the nursery's vision and are "committed" to the work they do "to help children have the best start in life".

To this end, they spend time getting to know each child and build strong bonds with them, which helps the children to learn, behave well and adopt positive attitudes.

The children also benefit from a "wide range of rich and unique opportunities".

Ms Hulley said information on the children's progress is consistently shared with parents and carers at home to ensure that no child gets left behind.

However, the inspector identified one area of improvement, writing staff don't always seize opportunities to take the children's learning swiftly to the next level and the youngsters don't always become deeply engaged in their learning.

To jump back up to its prior 'outstanding' badge, Ofsted said the nursery must support staff to further their understanding of how to consistently extend children's learning.

The nursery has now been graded 'good' overall up from 'requires improvement'.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.