Nursery children 'can't wait' for weekend to be over

Children at a Whitley nursery school love it so much they can't wait for the weekend to be over a new Ofsted report says.

A report just published about Blagdon Nursery and Children's Centre says one parent summed up the views of other parents who use the nursery school when she wrote: "My children love coming to Blagdon and they can't wait for the weekend to be over. They go to school happy and they leave happy."

The inspectors, who visited Blagdon in June, gave it an overall 'good' grade, though it was rated 'outstanding' for the way it fostered children's personal development, well-being and welfare.

Parents were found to be very satisfied with Blagdon. The report said: "There is an overwhelming atmosphere of support and nurture in which parents are highly valued as partners in their children's education. Parents are unanimous in their support and many express delight at choosing both the school and Willows [Day Nursery] for their children."

Other strengths noted by the inspectors included:

• Children in the nursery make good progress and achieve well in all areas of learning
• Progress in personal development is outstanding
• Children in the Willows Day Nursery learn and develop well, are well looked after and their welfare is promoted exceptionally well
• The headteacher's leadership is outstanding; she has a clear vision that is shared by all staff
• There is high staff morale and effective teamwork
• Children behave exceptionally well, show genuine care for each other and are very happy

Headteacher Sarah Mitchell said: "We are thrilled that the hard work of the staff, children, governors and parental support has been recognised in this report"

Chair of Governors Neil Barr said: "We are proud and delighted that inspectors have recognised the great strengths here at Blagdon, both in the school and day nursery."

Jon Hartley, Lead Councillor for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: "The inspection noted that Blagdon provides lots of exciting ways for children to learn in a caring, safe and happy atmosphere, which children clearly love. Blagdon is a real credit to everyone associated with it, and I congratulate them on such a good report."

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