Good status for town nursery

A Holbeach nursery has been awarded a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted inspectors after an inspection before Christmas.

Little Treasures, on Branches Lane, was awarded ‘good’ across the board following the visit on December 5.

“Children have strong relationships with all staff and happily seek cuddles and reassurance when needed,” says the report.

“Children develop close friendships with other children from a young age and imitate the help and nurture they learn from the staff. Children under two help staff hold a bottle of milk for their younger friend, and fetch a tissue for them to wipe their mouth,” the report adds.

The children use their imaginations and willingly share toy food items. They share ideas, such as making staff a jam sandwich, but deciding it needs some healthy lettuce.

“They discuss with staff whether salt would be a good idea and develop their hand-to-eye coordination while gripping a wooden spreader and pretending to butter the bread.”

The inspector noted that children ‘listen carefully’ to staff as they practice their physical skills.

“They tidy toys away when staff ask them to and understand how to respect the resources.

“Children behave well and know what staff expect of them, including the words ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.”

The nursery has 65 places and 40 children were enrolled when the inspection took place. It has five members of staff who all have early years qualifications.

“Staff praise children for their keenness to try things for themselves,” the report says.

Staff have a thorough knowledge of how to keep children safe from harm and undergo regular training. Policies and procedures are up to date.

The nursery should implement a focused professional development programme moving forward as well as developing the range of outdoor activities.