A BARNARD Castle nursery is celebrating after being rated as “outstanding” by Oftsed inspectors.
Green Lane Nursery and Childcare Centre has maintained the highest possible grading following an inspection by the education watchdog in October.
Oftsed introduced its new inspection system in September, making it harder to achieve or maintain such ranking.
Nursery manager Mel Mitchell said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have maintained our outstanding status.
“We have introduced lots of changes into the environment to allow the children to develop self-sufficiency skills and to capture their natural curiosity. I have a fantastic team which I am very proud of. Their hard work, passion and dedication to their role has been recognised. I would like to thank all of my team, the children, parents and the directors for their continued support.”
The report, which was published last week, stated that “children are superbly well prepared to develop the skills for future learning” .
Staff were also praised for their efforts. The report stated that members of staff are “excellent role models” who “provide an inclusive environment where the uniqueness of each child is celebrated” .
The nursery, which is in the grounds of Green Lane Primary School, has 132 children on its roll and 21 members of staff.
Headteacher of Green Lane Primary School Rob Goffee said: “I was absolutely delighted to hear that the nursery have achieved an outstanding rating from Ofsted.
“They are one of the only nurseries to have achieved this feat in County Durham this year and it is testament to all the hard work Mel and her team have put in. From our point of view it means that the children are getting a superb start to their educational journeys before they even enter the main school.
“It is superb news for Green Lane and superb news for Barnard Castle. Well done everyone.”
