Derby College’s nursery Little Explorers, based at the Broomfield Hall campus in Morley, has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors in all areas of its work.
The inspection, which took place in November, looked at four key areas – effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of education; personal development and behaviour and attitudes – all of which were judged as ‘Outstanding’.
The Inspectors recognised that "Children benefit from an exciting and stimulating learning environment and show deep levels of engagement and eagerness to learn."
The inspection team’s report, which has now been published, highlights key strengths at the Little Explorers Nursery, which was the county’s first Forest School when it opened in 2011 with many of it’s activities based outdoors in the grounds of Broomfield Hall.
Strengths highlighted in the report include “the children benefit from an exciting and stimulating learning environment and show deep levels of engagement and eagerness to learn. Also the highly qualified manager and staff team share a common understanding of how children learn best."
Inspectors praised the exemplary behaviour amongst the children who play wonderfully together, have excellent communication skills, are compassionate and respectful of others and are extremely well prepared for school and the next stage of their learning.
The report is particularly complimentary about the quality of teaching and how the team skilfully take every opportunity to “challenge and stretch” the children’s knowledge and skills.
Derby College Chief Executive Mandie Stravino said: “We are absolutely delighted with the findings of the Ofsted inspection and I heartedly congratulate all our dedicated team involved within Little Explorers on this well-deserved praise.
“Little Explorers encompasses the ethos of the whole College – providing a high-quality education and environment which prepares the children here, and the students elsewhere in the College, for the next stage in their lives.”
Little Explorers Manager Kate Cox, who was singled out for praise in the report, said: “We are elated to have gained top grades across the board for this inspection. It shows that we have created an environment of great learning, excitement and fun. It reflects the very high standards that we set ourselves in developing the children’s natural curiosity in their surroundings so that they are not only happy and flourish but are well prepared for starting school.”
The Nursery employs 17 members of staff, including those who have trained and qualified through Derby College, and has 85 children enrolled ranging from young babies to older children.