Bolton nursery receives 'outstanding' Ofsted report

Canterburys Infant and Toddler Centre has been recognised as 'outstanding', the third time a Canterburys Nursery Ltd institution has achieved the status from education watchdog Ofsted.

Situated on Eastbourne Grove, the nursery has been around for four years and caters for over 90 children aged up to three-years-old.

The site also has a special needs facility - The Nest – which caters for autism and other complex needs.

The company was established 30 years ago by Carolyn Hutton. Originally a playgroup, it developed into a small nursery setting, then throughout the years members of Carolyn’s family joined the business as it expanded.

Inside The Nest

In the report, inspector Susie Millward Sampson said: “Parents say that children flourish in the dedicated care and nurture they experience at this outstanding nursery.

“The ethos of respect for others and the world shines through staff's and children's interactions.”

She also says that children show that they are “happy and secure” as they “eagerly interact” with staff.

The environment was described as “carefully designed” which promotes “exploration and mastery of physical skills”.

She added: “Staff have high expectations for what children can learn. They use words such as 'habitat' and encourage children to make links in their learning.”

Independence is also a key aspect of the children’s learning at the nursery.

The report said: “Children calmly finish each day with a well-being check.

"They learn to be mindful and take care of themselves. For example, they check their clothes and follow the demonstration of how to blow their nose.”

Sophie Hutton is a speech and language therapist and heads up The Nest at Canterburys Infant and Toddler Centre.

She said: “We are super proud of our staff that work so hard so we can continue to provide that outstanding education for our children.

“Our parents are really supportive and give us lots of feedback, and that is reflected in this Ofsted report.

A family business - Vinny Merritt, Carolyn Hutton, Rob Hutton, Sophie Hutton, Jenni Robinson, Lance Robinson with children Lila Hutton, Mollie Hutton, Indie Robinson and Theo Robinson

“We have a special needs nursery which is part of the main nursery and it is the first time it’s been inspected.”

Inspector Millward Sampson said: “Parents and professionals describe the immensely positive impact that attending The Nest has on children.

"They say children settle in the small group, begin to focus and learn to communicate in a range of ways.

“Staff work with a host of professionals to plan targeted interventions and detail the help that children with complex needs will need at school. Consequently, children with SEND achieve the best possible outcomes.”