Riverside Ready for School Centre is ‘inspirational’ and ‘provides first-rate care and education’ according to Ofsted report released this month.
The nursery in North Shields has achieved Ofsted highest possible rating and is now an outstanding early years provider.
Based in Riverside Family Hub, the Ready for School nursery has 40 spaces for two-year-olds where they offer expert support to ensure they’re fully supported to thrive until they are ready for school.
Inspectors highlighted the ‘remarkable achievements’ made by the very young children, thanks to the ‘very high expectations’ of staff which they uphold consistently across the nursery. Children ‘quickly grow in confidence’ while at the setting and there’s meaningful relationships between staff and parents which ‘inspires’ parents.
They have fun while there too. Children ‘show delight in their experiences’ as they play, such as ‘giggling with glee’ while catching rainfall from gutters.
Lead inspector Clare Wilkins was extremely impressed by leadership at Riverside and how this has a lasting impact on the quality of care and education.
The glowing report goes on to praise the behaviour and attitude of the children, the support in place for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and the overall level of skill and dedication of all staff.
After being informed of the judgement, the nursery manager Elaine Powell said: “It is every managers dream to get Outstanding and the Riverside Ready for school is such a unique provision that puts the children and their families at the centre of everything we do.
“In the nine months I have been here the team and I have worked hard to provide the high quality that we feel our parents and children deserve and I am incredibly proud that Ofsted recognise this.”
Cllr Peter Earley, Cabinet member responsible for supporting and protecting children at North Tyneside Council, said: “This is a truly fantastic outcome for a truly fantastic nursery. We have a real focus on giving children the best start to their education in North Tyneside and Riverside Ready for School is doing exactly that.
“The outcome of the inspection is testament to the hard work and dedication of all of the staff and leaders who do their best for children every single day and it’s fantastic news for the nursery, the family hub and the local community.”
