A nursery in north Bristol has retained its ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted a year on from a child being injured on site. Snapdragons Nursery Horfield, located within the former Horfield Barracks on Gloucester Road, was given a ‘Good’ rating in every key judgement when inspectors visited on November 28.
The nursery provides education for 230 children, up to four years old, on its roll. In February 2024, the nursery notified Ofsted of an incident which ‘resulted in an injury to a child’, where action was later taken to improve the environment for children. Despite the injury concern, the nursery has maintained its ‘Good’ standing.
Children who attend the nursery become ‘kind and compassionate’ through their relationship with the staff. Leaders at the school develop a safe environment for children and staff ‘to flourish’ which helps children and staff to feel secure.
The report said: “Leaders create an ambitious, well sequenced and engaging curriculum that prepares children for their future learning. Staff provide many experiences for children to build on their knowledge about living things, for example, through local trips, such as, to the local aquarium, farm visits and community events.
“They [staff] use books and provide play opportunities at the setting and support children to make connections between their experiences. Consequently, children build on what they already know and encounter awe and wonder in their learning.
“Staff prepare a wide range of organic meals and snacks for children to eat, which children enjoy eating. Leaders prioritise well-trained staff to work in the setting’s kitchen to maintain a high standard of menu choices for families, furthermore, they prepare ingredients and recipes in a bag for parents to replicate the meals at home. Consequently, children learn the importance of nutrition and how to keep their bodies healthy.”
The inspectors said leaders have a focus on staff training and development and give ‘effective feedback’ on their practice that helps to improve teaching. The curriculum is implemented well by staff who ensure that children benefit from experiences, such as swimming lessons.
Children are supported to develop their independence through practicing self-help skulls, such as learning how to put their own coats on. Children freely explore the garden and develop critical thinking skills during play.
Staff are caring and alert to care needs of babies. They help babies learn to listen to their bodies so they recognise when they are tired and need to eat. Staff encourage babies to sleep in the dedicated peaceful area and stay with them to help them fall asleep, checking their welfare so babies wake up ready to learn.
The report added: “Staff engage in meaningful conversations at lunchtime with older children. However, younger children do not benefit consistently from the same opportunities to develop their communication skills. For example, staff focus on operational tasks, they do not use these moments to have meaningful conversations or develop key vocabulary to support all children as well as they could in their language development.
“Children listen to stories with interest to help them develop their literacy skills. Although, at times, staff do not deliver high-quality story times due to the impact of poorly planned transitions. This impacts on some children’s behaviour and attitudes as they become disruptive and restless.”