Meadow Brook Playcare in Saxmundham boosts Ofsted rating from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ in new assessment

Staff and children at Meadow Brook Playcare celebrate their success. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

A nursery run by volunteers in Saxmundham has shown a significant improvement in its services after Ofsted boosted its rating from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’.

Meadow Brook Playcare, which is run by a voluntary management committee and parents, was classed as below average after its inspection in May 2017 – a disappointing result for the non-profit daycare.

While it was rated ‘Good’ in three out of four categories, Meadow Brook scored below average in the ‘Effectiveness of leadership and management’ category due to a clerical error – meaning Ofsted could not conduct necessary checks. The inspector was also concerned staff did not fully support outdoor learning, and younger children were not provided with sufficient opportunities to develop their climbing skills.

However the 2018 report told a different story, with the nursery scoring the second highest possible rating in all four categories.

The inspector commented: “The action raised at the last inspection has been successfully addressed.

“The management team is very passionate about the provision and has high expectations of what children can achieve [and] children are cared for in a welcoming environment by a friendly and caring staff team.”

Also complimented were the learning environments, both indoors and outdoors, staff’s strong partnerships with parents, and the promotion of literacy throughout the nursery.

Emma Howard, Early Years Manager at Meadow Brook, said: “We were delighted to get a strong Good rating from Ofsted. This is a true testament to the whole team who are so dedicated to what they do. We plan to build on this success to achieve even more.”

Jade, a parent at the nursery, added: “A well deserved Ofsted report for all. The nursery not only offers support for my youngest who currently attends but continued support through to school too. Both my children have thrived and made friends ready to start school. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable whilst making the environment a home from home. I will be sad when we no longer need to attend come September.”

Her enthusiasm was echoed by Ashleigh, another parent, who said staff at Meadow Brook were “wonderful”.

Ashleigh added: “I am very fortunate that both of my children, aged three and two, attend Meadow Brook Playcare as they really do provide exactly that, play and care.

“Both rooms provide flowing play of indoors to outdoors, their learning all achieved through play, and both of my children are always excited to get to nursery.”

Rachael McNair, former Early Years Manager, also said the rating was “amazing news”.

“I could not be more proud of this Nursery and the amazing opportunities and care they provide,” she said.

“Your passion and vision is second to none.”