A school holiday club provider which took on its first nursery last year has been praised by Ofsted.
Daily Focus previously reported how Bee Active had acquired Raindrops Nursery in Knypersley, near Biddulph, which had two settings – a nursery and a preschool – and is now known as Bee Active Childcare.
Ofsted inspectors arrived the nursery the day after Bee Active took it over and the preschool a short time after that, reporting that it required improvement.
But a returning inspection has produced a “Good” rating for the preschool.
Bee Active CEO Ben Mills said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to share our glowing Ofsted report and it’s a true testament to the unwavering dedication of our entire team over the last nine months.
“We’ve completely transformed our learning environment and revamped our educational offer.”
The report says that staff provide “enjoyable learning experiences” which help to ensure all children “thrive in their development.”
It describes the leaders as “passionate and ambitious” and says parents “speak positively” about the setting.
Talking about changes between the two inspections, the report states: “The strategies for how staff manage children’s behaviour has improved, since their last inspection. Children take lots of pride as they carefully tidy away resources. Staff support children to learn how they can regulate their emotions. They also talk to children about how their actions affect others. Staff notice and praise children when they display positive behaviours. This helps children to understand what is expected of them.”
It adds: “Leaders have taken action to drastically improve records for safeguarding. These records are now robust and detail a clear picture of how staff work in partnership with other professionals to help keep children safe.”
Suggestions for improvement include strengthening how staff promote children’s independence and support staff developing their questioning techniques.
Ben added: “Our commitment to giving children the best start in life is unwavering, and we’re always striving to improve and innovate.
“This year, we’re taking our commitment a step further by revamping our outdoor spaces into rich learning environments, promoting outdoor learning, and providing ample opportunities for physically active play.
“Additionally, we’re excited to be introducing a brand new sensory room at the nursery site full of wonderful lights, sounds, and textures for our curious little ones to enjoy and explore.”
Bee Active @ Knypersley, on Tunstall Road, employs six members of childcare staff and has 33 two to four-year-olds on its roll.
