A nursery and pre-school located just off a main road leading out of Bristol has been rated as outstanding across the board by Ofsted. Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School, on Old Weston Road in Flax Bourton, obtained the perfect report after an inspection on October 7.
The nursery provider already has two other nurseries, in Coombe Dingle and Downend, both of which are also rated as outstanding. The Flax Bourton provision, which opened in 2022, provides education for children up to four years old.
Inspectors lavished praise on Red Bus Nursery for a “well-sequenced” curriculum which is implemented exceptionally well by staff members using planned and spontaneous interactions as well as activities for children. Children’s communication is a key priority for the school as staff use repetitive words, phrases and sign to support development from an early age.
The report said: “For example, before lunch, staff sign and say to babies ‘eat’ who excitedly kick their legs and smile. Outside, staff help older children test their own ideas and develop their critical-thinking skills when deciding what objects will float or sink. Children are highly motivated in their learning and display deep levels of engagement through independent and supported play.
“Staff help children from an early age begin to recognise and label their emotions, for example, when older babies are drawing with chalk, they point and say ‘happy face’. Staff are excellent role models and have high expectations for children’s behaviour.
“Staff use consistent and effective strategies throughout the nursery, such as visual timelines and ‘now and next’ boards. This helps children to learn how to manage their emotions and prepare for what is happening next. Children are polite, exceptionally well behaved and kind towards others.”
The curriculum was praised for allowing children to develop and learn, alongside staff who are dedicated to making sure that children obtain the key skills ended for future learning. Staff support babies’ emerging independence, learning how to feed themselves, and children “thrive in their learning”.
The expertise of staff help monitor children from they they settle at the school to allow the provider to identify gaps in learning and to support every child’s need in a swift manner. Staff are able to provide children with a “secure foundation” for early literacy by carefully considering books which each age range of children should access. The school has introduced a new project for children to create their own stories.
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The report said: “There is a strong focus on sustainability and healthy living as children enjoy freshly prepared, nutritious meals and snacks, some of which the children have been actively involved in growing. Staff help children to learn about recycling and engage parents in activities, such as toy swap shops. Children learn how to value and care for the environment.
“Children of all ages have free-flow access to outside. Children develop a love of the outdoors and practise their large-muscle skills and babies excitedly pass staff their wellies, keen to go out onto their rooftop garden, so they can stomp in the mud and water. Younger children develop good balance when riding on bikes, and children enjoy some quieter time in the cabin cutting out pictures, developing their small-muscle skills.
“The provider has built strong links with the community. Staff and children visit local farms, parks and libraries, and welcome the community into the nursery. Staff teach children how their lives are different and similar to those of others, helping to prepare children for life in modern Britain.”
Red Bus Nursery has a “clear ambition” to identify and prioritise improvements using regular audits and ‘two-way talk’ sessions with staff. Staff told inspectors that they have high levels of well-being and it empowers them to help children achieve. Less-experienced staff benefit from a new programme to help develop their teaching skills.
The report added: “Parent partnership is excellent. Parents comment on how the provider is ‘proactive’ in sharing information, and parents feel well informed regarding their children’s learning. The provider values parent feedback and they take part in monthly surveys about various topics, such as buddy key workers, and share the results in the monthly newsletter.”
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