OFSTED had high praise for a Northwich nursery.

Smallworld Sandiway has been graded as ‘good’ across every inspection categories as Ofsted published it’s latest report into the pre-school.

Inspector Olivia Barnes praised staff member’s communication and children’s behaviour following her visit on September 8, the first since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report read: “Communication and language is promoted very well. Children's joyful singing can be heard throughout the nursery.

“Staff bring stories and songs to life as they sing and read books to children. Children are actively involved in stories.”

It continued: “Children are extremely happy and settled at this setting. They benefit from a wide range of exciting and stimulating activities that the staff provide. Children gain a thirst for learning from a young age.

“Children behave very well and play harmoniously together. Staff have high expectations of all children. They teach children to share resources and to use good manners.

"Children show good listening and attention skills. They listen attentively to staff's instructions and follow them well.”

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Smallworld was registered with Ofsted in 2002 and currently operates two nurseries, the one at Sandiway Primary School and another at Leftwich Primary School.

The Leftwich pre-school is also rated as good across every category, following an inspection in March of this year.

It is not just the children at the Sandiway branch that are enjoying themselves, with the inspector having spoken with four parents during her inspection.

“Parents are thrilled with the service provided,” the report reads.

“They are thankful for the regular updates they receive about the activities children have taken part in each day.

“Parents comment on how flexible the staff are with the settling-in processes.

“Staff send home ideas for how parents can carry on learning with their children at home. This helps to provide continuity in children's learning.”

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While the report is largely positive, it does note one way in which Smallworld could look to improve.

It reads: “Children are learning how to keep themselves safe. However, the curriculum does not include teaching children how to safely use the internet or digital technology.

“Staff do not yet provide experiences that help children gain an effective understanding of how they can keep themselves safe when using digital technology or the internet.”