28/03/2022
Key points:
The Institute’s Nursery has made it four in a row after gaining another Outstanding rating in its latest Ofsted inspection. The latest review marks a period of 15 years over which the Nursery has held an Outstanding rating.
The Nursery was assessed across the categories of quality of education, behaviours and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and overall effectiveness.
Nursery Manager, Alison Bishop, who has led the Nursery through the last three Ofsted reviews, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have once again been awarded ‘Outstanding’ in all areas across our provision, demonstrating how we have continued to reflect, develop and grow since our last inspection in 2016. It’s testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of the whole team that our continued commitment to excellence has been recognised. I am doubly proud of the team because, as everyone is aware, the last couple of years have by no means been typical. Despite additional challenges, the Nursery team has continued to put our children at the heart of what we do, providing a stimulating, safe and nurturing environment for both children, families and our Nursery staff to grow and thrive.”
Report highlights The report described the attending children as “highly motivated and eager learners”, engaged through “an ambitious programme that ensures that every child has the best possible start”. Beyond supporting the development of effective communication skills in conveying knowledge, the report observed how effectively this was used to support personal development to help children effectively understand, control and communicate their emotions.
The Ofsted report also praised the deep and effective relationships Nursery practitioners develop with the children in their care and the well-established partnerships with parents and caregivers. Through daily reporting and close awareness of individual interests and home life, the development of each child is guided and supported throughout their time at the Nursery.
Looking at the Nursery’s leadership and management, the Ofsted assessment described this as exceptional, including recognising the emphasis placed on staff welfare and development, creating a motivated team committed to doing the best for the children in the Nursery’s care.
The parent and caregiver perspectives The Nursery team appreciated the many letters of support provided by the parents and caregivers of the children who attend. Individual responses shared demonstrations of how the staff across each of the Nursery’s four age grouping “go above and beyond” to care for the children and how much the families of the children who attend the Nursery enjoy the range of opportunities provided to get involved. One family reported how the close attention to their child’s development alerted them to a rare health condition, missed by routine healthcare screening, and how this spoke to the underlying culture of care at the Nursery.
Institute congratulations Dr Simon Cook, Interim Director, said: “For anyone who knows the Nursery, this achievement is no surprise and we offer our warmest congratulations to the Nursery team. We also offer them our deep gratitude for their exceptional care of the Nursery’s children during the pandemic, and every day since. The Institute community is incredibly proud of the Nursery team and includes many members of Institute staff who either witness their impact daily or see the effect of the Nursery years on their children long after they’ve moved on from early-years education.”
Press contact Dr Louisa Wood, Head of Communications, louisa.wood@babraham.ac.uk or 01223 496230
Image description: Colourful paper rocket made by a child with background of craft items
Additional/related resources: Babraham Institute Nursery website Access the full Ofsted report on the Ofsted reports website (URN 221547) News, 20 May 20616 Outstanding! Institute nursery retains Outstanding OFSTED rating
About the Babraham Institute The Babraham Institute undertakes world-class life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. Our research focuses on cellular signalling, gene regulation and the impact of epigenetic regulation at different stages of life. By determining how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and support healthier ageing. The Institute is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, through Institute Strategic Programme Grants and an Institute Core Capability Grant and also receives funding from other UK research councils, charitable foundations, the EU and medical charities.
About the Babraham Nursery Babraham Nursery recognises every child as an individual and prepare them for their first school steps within a fun, safe and nurturing environment. Our Nursery is primarily for the use of staff at the Babraham Institute and Babraham Research Campus. Babraham Nursery was opened in September 1990 and operates from a large house situated in a quiet corner of a residential area in the grounds of the Institute. It has a homely atmosphere and is surrounded by green fields and woods. It has a large enclosed garden with climbing frame, pathways and grassed areas. Nursery accommodates up to ninety children on the Early Years register aged from 6 weeks to 5 years and operates a separate after-school club and holiday club for school-aged children at the local school. We are an extremely supportive and friendly organisation; often described as having a warm, friendly atmosphere, whilst parents and staff say that there is a real sense of community. We have a highly qualified, extremely knowledgeable team who work together in an inclusive, family friendly environment.
28 March 2022