A NURSERY in Chipping Sodbury is celebrating after being rated good again by education watchdog Ofsted. 

First Steps Nursery was handed the rating after an inspector visited the school in April. 

The school has enjoyed being rated good for six years, having previously been rated as good in a full inspection in July 2017. 

The nursery located in Hounds Road was rated good in four categories and received the top mark for outstanding behaviour.

In the report, the nursery was described as “ambitious” and “devoted” where children “have a strong sense of belonging at the nursery.”

In addition, children were described as "friendly" and "confident," with "exceptional behaviour” and "respect for their friends and staff.” 

Gazette Series: Children and staff from First Steps Nursery celebrating their good Ofsted result Children and staff from First Steps Nursery celebrating their good Ofsted result (Image: First Steps Nursery)

The report reads: “The nursery has a clear and ambitious curriculum. 

“Staff securely embed this through their planning and daily practice. Children show high levels of curiosity as they play and learn. 

“Babies are inquisitive as they explore their environment.

“Staff carefully plan and provide a range of opportunities based on children's interests and what they need to learn next. 

“This positively ignites children's curiosity and thirst for learning.”

“Staff promote children's communication and language skills very well. 

“They engage in conversation with the children as they play.”

Nursery owners Clare Saphier and Hollie Dennis said: “We were really pleased with how the day of the inspection went. 

“We are very proud of all of the children and staff at First Steps and we feel that the inspector experienced the warm, friendly and positive nursery environment.  

“We were particularly pleased to be awarded Outstanding in behaviours and attitudes. 

“The children were praised for their exceptional behaviour and staff were recognised for being great role models and being respectful. 

“We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our dedicated, enthusiastic and highly motivated staff who make First Steps the happy nursery that it is.” 

However, the inspector stated that occasionally quieter children are not as fully engaged as their more vocal friends. 

As a result, in order to improve, the inspector advised staff to strengthen the implementation of group times in order to consistently meet the needs of all children who participate.

You can read the full report here - https://tinyurl.com/9mtjwck3