Newbury nursery staff celebrate after Ofsted rates it as ‘Outstanding’

Staff at a Newbury nursery are celebrating after an Ofsted inspection judged them to be ‘Outstanding’.

The Rocking Horse Nursery opened in 1992, and caters for up to 160 children aged four and under.

Six years ago, it was rated ‘Good’, and now it has gone one better, much to the delight of the team.

Ofsted inspectors looked at quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management. The nursery received an outstanding result across all areas and was deemed outstanding in overall effectiveness.

Richard Colbourne, manager of the Rocking Horse Nursery, said the team worked hard to put children at the heart of everything they do.

“They are always reflecting on how we can ensure impact is being added into each of their lives.” he said.

“Ofsted’s report certainly reflects the quality of care we afford each and every child.

“Our parents have been a big part of this journey to Outstanding, who we work closely with to ensure we’re able to deliver quality care and education for each of our children.

“We’re so pleased the Rocking Horse has received the recognition it deserves.”

In their report, inspectors said children were “happy, energetic and eager to explore the environment that staff have prepared”.

They also pointed out the “highly ambitious curriculum” created by the leadership team which through an intense focus on each child’s learning and development enables children to “learn and progress quickly”.

According to the Ofsted report, children were “exceptionally well behaved”, and staff guarantee that “children feel valued and heard”.

The inspection said staff “role model kindness, care and respect” and children can “flourish as they explore, investigate and create during play”.

Pupils with special educational needs are able to benefit from the “extremely knowledgeable” special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) who can “provide a team around the child approach”.

The nursery said the report highlights how the “positive and warm” environment created by the leadership team enables the 51 staff members to thrive, with support available to help them manage workload and well-being.

The nursery, located at Newbury Racecourse, currently has a waiting list.