Member Article

Gateshead’s smallest nursery rated outstanding by Ofsted

A small Gateshead nursery has been ranked as outstanding across the board by Ofsted.

Leighs Montessori Nurseries, which is based in a former Scout hut called The Den, received the top rating in every category to achieve the overall outstanding status.

It joins sister setting Leighs Nurseries in Heddon on the Wall with an outstanding grading. Another Leighs Nurseries in Longbenton is aiming to achieve the same at its forthcoming inspection.

The three nurseries are owned by husband and wife team Paul and Leigh Caven.

Leighs Nurseries at Heddon on the Wall is in the top two per cent of nurseries in England, having been ranked outstanding in back to back inspections. The team’s experience there has now helped Leighs Montessori Nurseries in Gateshead make the same grade.

Paul said: “Since taking over the nursery at The Den in 2007 we have been rated as good. We’ve used our expertise to build on that good base and work continuously to drive up the quality of care that children receive.

“Quality of care should count above everything else, nothing should supersede that. We believe childcare is not about awards or location or marketing strategy. Excellent quality of care needs to be our first priority every single day.”

Leigh added: “We are always improving our practice by looking at all aspects of childcare, developing staff knowledge, listening to parents opinions, and looking at the environment from the children’s perspective. We never stop thinking of new ways to continuously provide the highest quality of care possible.”

The Den is the smallest nursery in Gateshead with just 57 children on the roll aged between birth and four, and 12 members of staff all of whom are highly qualified. It was inspected in June and received the top outstanding rating in every category: effectiveness of the leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; and outcomes for children.

In her report, Ofsted inspector Janet Fairhurst said: “All children make excellent progress because their needs are very carefully considered and provided for. They are very confident to explore and investigate and eager to benefit from the superb range of opportunities provided in the nursery. As a result, they become highly motivated learners.”

Parents were delighted to hear of Leighs Montessori Nurseries’ outstanding Ofsted grading.

Emma Rose, whose daughter Imogen attends the nursery, said: “Both my husband and I really appreciate the care given by each member of the team to our daughter. From the very first time we came to visit, they recognised how bright she is and constantly work with her to reach her potential. She is absolutely thriving there! It’s so reassuring for us to know that she is in such a wonderful environment whilst we are at work.”

Rob and Claire Carr’s daughter Claudette attends the nursery. They said: “We are thrilled for the nursery and feel it’s thoroughly deserved. Thanks so much for all the care and support and nurture that you give all the children – we think you are fabulous.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Astute.Work .