A NURSERY has achieved a good rating from inspectors Ofsted, with the way its children sing a main reason why it is doing so well.
This is not just a case of Children 4 Most at Flowery Field having a good choir, inspectors noticed lessons are learned through song.
The Old Road establishment, based at Hyde’s Flowery Centre, also promotes youngsters’ independence through a range of activities.
But it is the musical nature of learning that caught the attention of inspectors.
An Ofsted report states: “Songs are used as a powerful tool to engage children and promote learning.
“Children build a large repertoire of nursery rhymes during their time at the nursery. Their vocabulary expands and they explore rhythm and rhyme.
“Songs are also used to support positive behaviour. For example, when children start circle time, they sing ‘Is everybody looking?’ This helps children to behave well.”
Musical sessions aside, inspectors also noted the way staff help children develop and learn, especially those with special educational needs.
The report continues: “Children learn new knowledge and skills over time.
“For example, toddlers learn about different animals and practise the noises they make.
“Staff set high expectations for children, which supports their ongoing progress.
“Children grow in their independence. For example, after lunchtime, toddlers follow the familiar routine as they find their beds and lie down, covering themselves with blankets.
“All staff have a very good understanding of what they want children to learn. They know children well and target activities to help children to achieve their next steps.
“For example, staff provide encouragement as they sensitively support babies to take their first steps.
“This targeted learning helps to ensure all children make good progress, including those in receipt of additional funding.
“As children progress between rooms, their vocabulary develops. This contributes to children being able to express themselves
“Children’s independence is promoted well. For example, children use tongs to serve their own fruit at snack time.
“Staff encourage children to clean their faces and wash their hands independently. This helps to develop children’s confidence and skills in self-care.
“Provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is excellent.
“The knowledgeable special educational needs and/or disabilities coordinator (SENDCo) works closely with the local authority and takes on board advice from external agencies.
“This helps to ensure children with SEND make the best progress they are capable of.”
Children 4 Most, which has 109 children on its roll, provides education for two to four-year-old children.
And Ofsted agreed it provides a good base before graduating to primary school.
It said: “The provision is good. Children are eager to arrive at the nursery, where they have a very positive start to their education.
“Children seek out staff members for cuddles and reassurance. They are happy and safe.”