Delight at nursery as Ofsted rating rises

Kim Stevens, Nursery Manager with Martin Greenham Clock Tower Nursery Apprentice

Staff have described their pride after their nursery's Ofsted rating was raised from '˜satisfactory' to '˜good'.

Lewes Clock Tower Nursery underwent an inspection by Sue Suleyman who found children had developed “a broad range of skills” to take with them to primary school.

Her report stated: “Staff have a good understanding of child development and how children learn through play.

“They use their observations and assessments to identify children’s current skills and abilities and plan relevant learning experiences to help them make progress.”

The children were described as well behaved and Ms Suleyman was impressed with the way they had learned to take turns, share and consider each other’s feelings and views.

She added: “Children make good progress in relation to their starting points. They know how to behave and have good social skills. For example, they talk to each other, negotiate different roles in their play and share their thoughts and ideas freely with staff.”

When it came to the improvements needed if the nursery was to achieve the top ‘outstanding’ rating, Ms Suleyman raised two issues.

The first was the need for nursery manager, Kim Stevens, and her team to strengthen opportunities for children to develop their creativity.

The second was to extend children’s interests and problem-solving skills by building on the way staff asked questions about activities.

Kim said: “We are so pleased with the result of the recent Ofsted inspection.

“All the nursery staff are really proud of the hard work they have put in to improve the nursery, taking it from ‘satisfactory’ in our last inspection to ‘good’.”

The Clock Tower Nursery recently appointed a deputy manager, Martin Greenham. Martin, 21, had previously been a member of the nursery’s bank staff.

He completed his Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification with the Sussex Downs College Apprenticeships.

A nursery spokesman said: “It’s fair to say Martin is breaking the mould, working in an industry still stereotypically seen as one for women, with just 2 per cent of child care practitioners being male.”

Martin said: “You have to be a confident person as a male in the child care profession.

“When I was bank staff at the nursery I realised this was what I really enjoyed doing. I found the confidence to pursue a career in this field and succeeded.”