An ‘Outstanding’ result for Tops Day Nursery in Portsmouth has been awarded by Ofsted after a recent inspection.
Staff and children have been celebrating the highest possible rating for all three areas of the nursery based on the grounds of the Queen Alexandra Hospital.
The great news comes just as Tops Forest School is launched at the nursery to educate children in nature and the outdoors, as an additional activity to the weekly cooking workshops for children as part of Tops Cooking School.
According to the Ofsted report, the quality of teaching across the nursery is exceptionally strong, parents are very much included in the planning and assessment of their child, and all children are given opportunities to explore and investigate in the superb, vibrant and well-resourced play areas, both inside and out.
The report also noted that Tops staff are skillful in their observations knowing when to sit back and watch and when to intervene and support. Consequently all children are effectively supported and sufficiently challenged to achieve as well as they possibly can.
Cheryl Hadland, founder of Tops Day Nurseries said: “To receive such a positive report from Ofsted is very pleasing. Local residents and colleagues working at the Queen Alexandra Hospital can now be proud to say their children attend an outstanding nursery. I share in that pride not only as the founder but also because my own grandson attends this nursery.
“Last year’s inspection was upsetting for us all and we appealed the result with the support of the local authority. We feel that we finally have the result the team deserve and have worked so hard to achieve. The nursery practitioners are supported professionally by Aspire Training Team and continue to listen to what the local community want and need from their nursery. We will keep investing and improving to provide the best childcare that we can.”
Oftsed Inspector Gill Wallace said: “Children flourish during their time at nursery. They make very good progress in their learning because all staff have a secure knowledge and understanding of how young children learn and are passionate and committed to their role.
“Children’s safety is given the highest priority. Staff have a secure understanding of their responsibilities to safeguard children and implement safe working practices exceedingly well to support children’s health, safety and well-being.”
Tops Day Nurseries in Portsmouth caters for children from 3 months until they are ready to start school. They also run a Mini Beasts club for 5-11 year olds. The nursery can offer 15 hours of free funding for 2, 3 and 4 year olds, as well as emergency childcare at short notice and cover for teacher training days and school closures. PHT discounts are available for hospital parents and childcare is bookable per 15 minutes.
To view a copy of the report please click here.
