Harbour View Kindergarten staff ‘delighted’ after strong Ofsted report

Harbour View Kindergarten in Seaham was ranked in the ‘strong standard’ area for four out of six categories, with the remaining two rated ‘expected standard’.

Inspectors have highlighted the high expectations staff have for children’s behaviour, describing interactions as “warm and trusting.”

The Ofsted report said: “Relationships between staff and children are warm and trusting.

“They take a genuine interest in every child who attends the setting.”

Parents commented in the report, saying: “The staff team go above and beyond”.

Staff were also commended for their understanding of each child’s needs and for working closely with parents and professionals.

The report added: “Children with special educational needs and disabilities and those who may have barriers to learning receive effective, swift and targeted support from staff.”

Inspectors praised the staff for working in collaboration with parents and professionals to ensure children who may need additional support receive the right interventions at the right time.

Outdoor learning was highlighted as a strength, with Ofsted observing children playing in the mud kitchen, waving bubble wands, and exploring the outdoors with their friends.

Settling-in procedures were described as high quality, with staff gathering detailed information on children’s dietary needs, allergies, weaning, and sleep routines before they start.

The leadership team was described as “passionate” about their work.

Kimberley Taylor, nursery manager, said: “We are delighted that our hard work has been recognised.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team, who work tirelessly to provide a warm, nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

“We are incredibly proud of the strong relationships we have built with our children and their families, and we are grateful for the trust and support they continue to show us. ”

The Ofsted report also noted that leaders and staff act quickly in cases of non-attendance and promote regular attendance through close communication with parents.

Children were observed to be well prepared for the next stage of their learning.

Although the curriculum and teaching were generally rated as expected standard, inspectors did identify some inconsistencies.

They noted that staff did not always make the most of spontaneous teaching moments to extend learning.

Ms Taylor added that while celebrating their achievement, the team remain committed to continuous improvement and will continue striving to provide an even better experience for the children in their care.

Despite this, children are making typical progress from their starting points, and the centre was praised for its inclusive approach.