A NURSERY school has a double cause for celebration – after marking its 50th anniversary and being rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Cleator Moor Nursery School celebrated 50 years since opening at a special party on Monday – just weeks after the school retained its ‘outstanding’ rating from the education watchdog.
Staff and children enjoyed a variety of activities and celebrated with a 50th birthday cake.
The official opening of the school was held on September 25, 1971, with 29 full time children and 19 part time children attending.
Since then the school has continued to welcome and care for generations of children over the years, many of whom have returned as parents and now grandparents themselves.
In the school's latest Ofsted report, inspectors said: “Children enjoy coming to this friendly Nursery. They all receive a warm welcome when they arrive.
“There are plenty of exciting resources for children to play with and activities to take part in. They quickly become immersed in learning. This is because they are confident, happy and secure here.”
Lisa Wilson, headteacher, said: “We are delighted that our recent Ofsted report recognises how happy our children are and how much they enjoy learning. We are passionate about providing an outstanding quality of education and care here at Cleator Moor Nursery School.
“I would like to thank all staff for the care and dedication they show, the Governors for their strong support, the parents and families who trust us with the education of their children and the children themselves, who bring their sense of fun and enthusiasm to learn every day.
“I am extremely proud of all we do here at Cleator Moor Nursery School to support the children and families in our care and to provide an outstanding start to the children’s education.”
In the report, inspectors praised the nursery school’s leaders and staff who “want every child to succeed” and provide “interesting learning that captures children’s imagination”.
The report goes on to say: “Leaders have created a broad and exciting curriculum for children, covering all areas of the early years foundation stage.
“Leaders have thought carefully with staff about what children should know by the time they leave the nursery.
“Staff are knowledgeable about how young children learn and develop. They use this knowledge to identify any children who are falling behind. Staff provide help for children to help them to catch up.
“Staff speak to children in ways that they will understand. They provide opportunities during the day for children to talk and listen to each other.”
Inspectors also noted that “reading is at the heart of the curriculum” and a wide range of books have been selected to read to children, which “support children’s development in all areas of learning”.
The nursery cares for children aged two-four years old.
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