By Andrew Clarke

Last updated at 12:24, Thursday, 28 June 2012

A NURSERY that was severely damaged when a tornado ripped through it has recovered from the trauma to achieve a positive inspection report.

Tamalder Childcare was forced to relocate when the roof was blown off its premises at Meadow Road, Whitehaven, in the major storm in October last year. A number of children had to be rescued from the badly damaged building.

Following the freak episode, Tamalder relocated to a temporary premises on Whinlatter Road, behind Valley School, and despite having to start from scratch after losing equipment and resources, it re-opened less than two weeks later.

And all the hard work was made worthwhile when it was said to be “good” – the second highest grading possible – in all categories by Ofsted inspectors. It is now hoped that the nursery will be able to return to its original home in the coming weeks.

“We are very happy with this result as we have worked very hard in a short period of time to enhance this new provision,” said nursery manager Clare Jackson. “It was a very traumatic period for the staff, parents and, most importantly, the children.

“After help from the Early Years team at Cumbria County Council, we were able to set up quickly in a new temporary premises and, after a huge amount of work by staff from Tamalder and the EY team, we were ready to go.

“We have striven to make this new setting as good as it can be for the children and families who attend.”

The Ofsted inspector reported: “Children make good progress in their development and thrive under the good quality care offered.

“Children play and learn in an interesting and stimulating environment. They benefit from staff’s positive engagement with both parents and other professionals involved in their care, and this ensures continuity of care and learning.

“Children are protected and safeguarded through the policies and procedures implemented throughout the setting.

“The manager and staff members work very well as a team. They are experienced practitioners who love their work and constantly consider ways to improve their practice.

“Staff engage effectively with parents. The daily contact with the staff and the role of the key person all contribute to the effective sharing of information and continuity of care for children.”

The inspector also found that children “settle effortlessly, are well-behaved” and have play areas that are “well organised” with plenty of variety in activities.

In order to improve further however, the nursery must “create play opportunities that help children to understand about sustainability” and “make available resources and play opportunities which help promote children’s understanding of information, communication and technology”.

“There is a lot of hard work to come to get the new building ready for the children, but we cannot wait to get back over to our original premises for the summer holidays,” said Clare.

First published at 11:09, Thursday, 28 June 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk