Bolton School's nursery and infant receive good Ofsted report

Ofsted graded every area of the provision as good during a recent visit.

The inspector commented: "Children settle quickly as they arrive.

"Staff are extremely enthusiastic in their engagement with children."

Their report adds: "Children flourish under the praise and encouragement given by staff. Behaviour and attitudes are very good. Children show high levels of concentration for extended periods of time as they are engrossed in their activity."

The inspection found that 'leaders are passionate about childcare and have a clear vision for the nursery' and staff have high expectations for all children.

The Ofsted inspection report stated: "Children receive high praise from staff for their efforts. Staff tell children often to 'keep on trying'. Children develop perseverance and the ability to overcome setbacks"

Parents were said to be very happy with the care and education their children receive.

"They speak highly of the kind and caring team and express their happiness regarding the warm and personal greeting their children receive," stated the report.

Sue Falkner, head of the primary division at Bolton School, said: “This fantastic inspection report recognises all that we know is special about Bolton School’s Nursery, and how its staff prioritise the individual development of each and every child in their charge.”

Ms Falkner said: “I was incredibly pleased that the inspector had understood how enthusiastically every staff member engages with the children in their care each day, and the positive impact this has on those children’s development.

“The inspector’s recognition of how effectively children are prepared for the transition to school was even more gratifying, and the ever-strengthening links between the nursery and Beech House, the Foundation’s infant school, are of course fundamental to this success.”

Despite changes in how Ofsted reports the outcomes of its inspections of primary and senior schools, nurseries continue to receive single-word judgements.

Ms Falkner said: “Ofsted's report reflects the significant progress that has already been made under the nursery’s new management team, and I am therefore particularly delighted by the inspector’s observation that those leaders are ‘passionate about childcare and have a clear vision for the nursery’.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks and congratulations to all of my colleagues at the nursery, whose efforts and enthusiasm have made this inspection report possible, and to all those parents who took time from their day to speak with the inspector and to reflect upon their child’s experiences whilst in the nursery’s care.”

Philip Britton MBE, Bolton School’s head of foundation, said: “The nursery is the starting point of the educational journey for many children within the Bolton School Foundation, and, as this report attests, provides a great basis for their future learning and personal development that will continue to bear fruit throughout their childhoods.

“Our recent investment in the nursery’s facilities has enhanced the setting’s already-excellent provision for the children in its care, and I am delighted that the efforts of the nursery’s staff and leaders have been recognised so fulsomely in Ofsted report.”