Recent Ofsted inspections reveal mixed results for Devon nurseries. Apple Blossom & Discovery earned “Good” while Kennford Playbox shines with “Outstanding”.
Ofsted Grades Apple Blossom, Discovery, and Kennford Playbox in Devon
Recent Ofsted inspections reveal mixed results for Devon nurseries. Apple Blossom & Discovery earned “Good” while Kennford Playbox shines with “Outstanding”.
Ofsted, Apple Blossom, Discovery Nursery, Kennford Playbox, Whimple, Exeter, Kennford, Devon, United Kingdom
Apple Blossom in Whimple earned a “Good” rating. It improved a lot since the last inspection. Now, education, behavior, and leadership are all “Good”. Kids are happy and love exploring activities. They bond with the caring staff.
The nursery has made several improvements. Staff teach kids about rules and safety. The curriculum challenges all the children. Older kids use words like “tinsel”, while younger ones ask “What’s that?”. Kids enjoy hands-on learning. They make elf headbands and paint Father Christmas pictures.
Kids learn about the world. Staff take them to feed a horse, gather apples, and feed chickens. They grow veggies and watch pumpkins decay. Parents feel involved and informed. They see their kids’ communication grow.
Some staff could improve communication when kids are upset. Also, mealtime staffing needs improvement, as sometimes staff leave younger kids briefly. The nursery fixed many past problems, and all staff now have first-aid certificates.
The nursery cares deeply about safeguarding children. They should use consistent communication approaches, and efficient mealtime staffing is also needed. Apple Blossom has 18 kids aged one to four.
Discovery Nursery in Exeter also got a “Good” rating. It’s known for quality education and strong leadership. Staff welcome kids and families warmly and learn about the children’s needs. A key-person system helps kids thrive.
The curriculum helps kids for school. Staff set high behavior expectations. Kids learn about their emotions and resolve conflicts with help. Staff monitor progress and share it with parents. They work with outside experts, if needed.
Kids learn about healthy habits. They cook simple foods and enjoy tasting them. Babies learn to hold spoons, and older kids balance on obstacle courses. Nursery staff celebrate different cultures, using simple phrases in other languages.
Staff value communication skills, and teach babies simple signs. Consistency in teaching needs improvement, and training should focus on specific kid needs. In the baby room, routines can limit engagement, and babies need more freedom to choose activities.
Again, the nursery prioritizes safeguarding kids. Staff should improve teaching consistency. They also need a flexible plan for babies’ activities. Discovery Nursery has 102 kids.
Kennford Playbox earned an “Outstanding” rating. This preschool provides superb education. Staff are skilled and the environment is engaging. The curriculum is effective and supports progress.
The nursery fosters curiosity. Kids hunt for dinosaur bones, and staff introduce words like “palaeontologist”. Math skills are part of daily tasks. Kids use tools to make playdough pizzas, focusing on size and shapes.
Staff emphasize emotional growth. They help kids understand feelings, and sensory spaces help kids calm down. The nursery offers great support for kids with special needs. Professionals help create personal plans.
Parents are very involved in the nursery. Staff communicate well with them. The curriculum is inclusive and structured. Kids explore creatively and describe feelings. They learn to support one another.
Kids become independent quickly. Staff help them with self-care tasks and show children how to wash hands. Kennford Playbox values staff development, and they learn new skills like forest school activities.
Safeguarding is effective at Kennford Playbox. Leaders protect children’s interests. The preschool has 20 children enrolled. The environment is a safe place for the kids there.
