Celebrations in Froxfield as Stepping Stones Nursery rated outstanding

The accolade – the highest available from the schools watchdog – was given to the Stepping Stones Nursery in Froxfield.
It was deemed to be good at the previous inspection two years ago. But the latest inspection found that “teaching and learning is outstanding.”
Among the highlights, the report states:
Children make rapid progress in their learning;
The staff's high standards, expectations and expert knowledge of how children learn mean the educational programme is rich, varied and highly imaginative;
Partnership with parents, outside agencies and other providers are very strong;
Children are very well cared for and protected;
The strong relationships between children and staff, and excellent behaviour management, ensure the children develop high levels of self-control and confidence.
The report goes on to note that “parents highly praise the nursery, commenting on how happy their children are and how learning has progressed beyond expectations”.
The privately-owned nursery, which opened in 1998, caters for 35 children aged from 18 months to five years and employs six staff.
The Ofsted report states: “The staff know and understand each child exceptionally well, and provide highly simulating and exciting learning opportunities.
“Staff play alongside the children, enthusiastically asking thought-provoking questions, to promote comprehensive understanding which extends children's learning. ”
It adds: “Staff create a safe and caring environment and this ensures the children feel emotionally secure.
“Relationships between staff and children are engaging and nurturing. The staff are exemplary role-models; they
regularly praise children's achievements and show a real delight in success, which motivates children to achieve.
“Staff consistently encourage cooperation and appropriate behaviour through the use of the nursery's ‘Golden rules’.
“If behaviour is not acceptable the children are encouraged to think why and what impact it is having. For example, when children threw equipment on the floor, staff talked about why this could be dangerous. The children then co-operated to tidy up through playing a countdown game with staff. This means the children fully understand expected behaviour and display high levels of self-control.”
School secretary Judi Little said: “As you can imagine, we’re all over the moon here.”
Manager Sue Corfield praised her team of “truly dedicated staff” and said: “Our goal is to create a positive and motivating experience that will, in turn, play a major role in a child's future learning and development”.