Top Marks for South Tyneside Nursery

A South Tyneside nursery has been rated Outstanding by inspectors for the quality of care and education it provides to children.

The Council-run Stanleys at Hebburn earned the top rating across all areas - moving up from its previous rating of Good.

The news is further evidence that the Council is delivering on its priority of supporting families.

Inspectors described the nursery as a "welcoming" and "inclusive" setting where children are "extremely happy, settled and secure."

In her report the inspector says: "Children benefit from a wide variety of highly stimulating and challenging activities and experiences. For example, staff plan outstanding opportunities for children to learn about nature and the wider world around them. They are enthusiastic, highly motivated and eager to learn."

The inspector adds: "Staff are excellent role models. They are very respectful and encourage children to use manners, take turns and be kind to others. Staff know children

individually very well. They develop individual care plans for younger children. Staff are highly skilled and use sensitive, timely interventions to help embed and extend children's learning."

The report adds that children are offered "rich opportunities to explore, investigate and solve problems."

The inspector found that support for children with special educational needs or disabilities was also excellent.

Parent Dawn Catton's, 21-month-old daughter Isabella, who has Down's Syndrome, attends the Stanleys at Hebburn.

Dawn said: I just want to say a massive thank you to the staff at Stanleys at Hebburn for all of their hard work, dedication and continuous support with Isabella. They all go above and beyond to help and support her with all her needs, from doing her physiotherapy to helping her to communicate. All the staff are supportive and take time out to speak with myself and make me feel at ease.

"It has been the best decision I have made putting Isabella in Stanley's nursery."

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "This is fantastic news which underlines our commitment to give every child the best start in life.  

"The rating is testament to the hard work of our staff and parents and carers who work together to provide outstanding outcomes for children."