A NURSERY whose staff form 'lovely relationships' with its children is aiming to build on its success after securing a 'Good' Ofsted rating.
The education watchdog made its first inspection of S4YC Northwich, which is based at the Victoria Road Children's Centre in Neumann Street, on July 1.
Inspectors looked at a number of areas during their visit, rating the nursery 'Good' across the board for its quality of education, the good behaviour and personal development of its pupils, and its good leadership.
Jane Barker manages the nursery, which also won the 2025 Guardian Education Award for Team of the Year, and was delighted with the rating.
She said: "The rating gives us the foundations to build on this successful outcome and continue to ensure all children flourish.
"Ofsted's report captures moments of brilliance from the many rich experiences offered, quality of care and the skill progression throughout the nursery.
"Preschool strengths in early literacy skills and igniting children's imagination in play was clear to see and supported.
"Children thriving outdoors, being motivated to explore and being imaginative was highlighted as a joy to watch our happy little learners.
"The whole report captures the very essence of meeting the individual needs of all the children and how the interests of all the children are at the heart of the nursery."
Among the successes highlighted by inspectors was the nursery's 'broad and inclusive' curriculum which staff adapt well for children with with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The nursery's procedures for supporting SEND children were also praised as 'strong'.
The inspector's report states: "Staff get to know children at the nursery very well. They form lovely relationships with them and are highly alert to their individual needs and routines.
"Nursery staff recognise new babies need more support and provide lots of physical contact.
"Babies form attachments to their key person quickly which helps them to feel safe and secure.
"Staff help children to learn about good behaviours, such as sharing and turn-taking.
"They provide opportunities for children to practise these skills, for instance when taking turns choosing a song to sing."
The report did suggest areas for improvement at the nursery, including the organisation of its small-group times in the pre-school room and providing staff with continuous feedback 'to help strengthen their skills and knowledge further'.
The full report can be read on the reports.ofsted.gov.uk website.
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