There was cause for celebration at Julia Durbin Day Nursery in Headington as proud parents and practitioners learnt that the setting had achieved Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ status for the third time running, following an inspection in October.
A result achieved by only 16 percent of English Early Years providers, the Ofsted inspectors praised the “skilled and knowledgeable” team at the setting on Roosevelt Drive for providing children with “exceptional care and learning experiences”, resulting in an environment where children make “excellent progress and enjoy sharing their achievements.”
In the report, inspectors credited the “wide range of interesting, hands-on learning experiences, which build on children’s natural curiosity as learners”, adding that “they build positive and lasting friendships with their peers as they progress through the nursery. They enjoy sharing resources and taking turns” and demonstrate this in their play.
The nursery’s school readiness programme was also admired, with inspectors noting that “the manager and staff build extremely close relationships with other settings and professionals”, sharing extensive information before the children move up to school and proceeding to check in at half term to ensure they are settling and progressing well.