Oldham nursery praised by parents graded 'good' by Ofsted

Panda Pre-School Coppice on Werneth Hall Road has provided early years education to youngsters between two and four since 2013.

While the setting got off to a rocky start after the education watchdog said the nursery required improvement, from issues ranging from a lack of warm running water to potential hazards, by 2014 the nursery had made a raft of improvements which saw it bump up a grade.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

The setting has been graded 'good' by inspectors ever since.

In a follow-up inspection of the premises in February this year, inspector Lynn Richards had plenty of praise for the nursery in her report.

Ms Richards said the children benefit from "kind and attentive staff" who support them, "gently" take their hands and ease them into this "safe and inclusive setting" at the start of each day.

As a result, the youngsters and staff members share "close bonds", helping them feel safe and secure.

The kindness of the team was again highlighted in the report as the inspector found staff "consistently demonstrate caring behaviour" which positively influences the children, particularly older ones who encourage their friends to join in with activities.

As for their learning opportunities, the curriculum is "carefully planned" and tailored to the children's interests, such as outdoor sessions and lessons that use sensory play.

The children "laugh together" as they play turn-taking games and have a "fabulous time" using paintbrushes and making patterns in rice.

The curriculum also provides the children with "ample opportunity" to develop their independence, such as tidying away their toys and taking their coats off.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SENF) also benefit from the care of knowledgeable staff who spend time getting to know their likes and dislikes, the report added.

This means Panda Pre-School is doing well to support disadvantaged children as well as children with SEND in their development and education.

Ms Richards said staff have even created additional cosy spaces for children which is helping them to feel safe and relaxed.

The children's behaviour was another stand-out as Ms Richards wrote the children are "kind", their behaviour is "good" and they engage well with learning.

Staff also "respond quickly" whenever the children have disagreements while the children use 'kind hands' and show care to other children who are new to the setting, for example showing them where to wash their hands.

Other positives at Panda Pre-School Coppice include its focus on language, communication and physical activity.

The children have a "tremendous time" balancing, jumping and building with large blocks, which also develops their core strength and large muscles, and they "enthusiastically" join in when reading books and singing songs, including children who speak English as an additional language.

In addition, parents spoke positively about the nursery to Ofsted, saying their youngsters "are like different children" after just a few weeks at the setting.

Parents say the children "chatter more" and have become incredibly independent.

However, Ms Richards said that while the wellbeing and professional development of staff is supported, it is "not always" focused on identifying areas for improvement.

She added: "Therefore, staff knowledge is not consistently extended to benefit children's learning."

Occasionally, noise levels in the room can also be "disruptive" to the children's learning, such as when the children use music on tables while others are trying to engage in a quiet group activity.

The inspector said this means some children find it hard to concentrate.

To hike the grade up even further, Ms Richards recommended bosses pay attention to the nursery's noise levels and focus on staff development.

 Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk