Nursery school dubbed outstanding by Ofsted

Stanley’s at Bede Children’s Centre in Jarrow scored top marks across all areas, improving on its previous Ofsted rating of good.

Inspectors commended the centre’s “inspirational leadership,” and “highly motivated and enthusiastic” staff at the council-run nursery which caters for two to four-year-olds.

The report said: “The quality of teaching across the nursery is outstanding. Practitioners provide rich, varied and imaginative experiences based on children’s experiences both inside and outdoors. Consequently, all children are highly motivated, eager to explore and develop a real thirst for learning.

“The highly qualified and experienced practitioners work well together, meaning the organisation of the setting is excellent. The setting provides a lively, vibrant, fun and homely environment where each child is respected and valued.”

Delighted parent, Sarah Edmonds, whose three-year-old son Dexter attends the nursery, said: “Dexter has learning difficulties, but needs his independence and nursery has been the perfect place for him. He has flourished into a super confident little boy.

“The staff at Bede Children’s Centre are there for the whole family, I have found their help, advice and support invaluable. If I could keep Dexter at Stanley’s at Bede forever, I totally would.”

Councillor Joan Atkinson, lead member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “This is the second council-maintained nursery to move from good to outstanding this year which clearly shows that our commitment to the borough’s youngsters is paying off.

“Last year Ofsted rated every single nursery as good or outstanding, but this latest news shows that we are not complacent and are continuing to strive for further improvements to ensure every child in South Tyneside has the very best start in life.”