‘Inspirational’ outside play area is hailed by nursery watchdogs

More than one in eight childcare providers have closed since 2015 Stock image Picture: LUCY TAYLOR

The Moat Barn Nursery in Hasketon, near Woodbridge has been described by Ofsted inspectors as providing “the highest levels of care and learning for all children” following an inspection on August 17.

Inspectors gave the nursery the top mark across the board with everything from leadership to teaching quality and welfare being rated as outstanding.

Among the areas rated highly by Ofsted was the outdoor area for the children to play in.

“Children show the highest levels of engagement as they find out about the world around them,” said inspectors.

Playing outside is highly encouraged at the nursery Picture: MOAT BARN NURSERY (Image: Archant)

“For example, they explore the wooded area, investigate in the mud kitchen, search for mini-beasts and create willow necklaces.”

The advances made by youngsters is another of the areas in which Ofsted said the nursery had excelled describing progress as “rapid” and the monitoring of learning as “detailed and robust.”

Moat Barn’s relationship with parents was also highlighted as being exemplary.

“Partnerships with parents are excellent,” said inspectors, “Parents are thrilled with the service the nursery provides.

The nursery's outdoor space was praised by the report Picture: MOAT BARN NURSERY (Image: Archant)

“Children’s families have a wealth of opportunities to become involved with their child’s education.”

Writing on Facebook the nursery said they were delighted with the report.

“Thank you to all of the parents who emailed, telephoned or spoke to the inspector personally.

“We are very proud of our amazing team and would like to inform you that your children are cared for in an OUTSTANDING nursery.”

The nursery say they were delighted with their Ofsted result Picture: MOAT BARN NURSERY (Image: Archant)

There were no targets set in the report for the school to improve, rather staff were told to keep up the high level of work that they had been undertaking.