Start Well Learning in Winsford rated outstanding by Ofsted

Start Well Learning, based at Wharton CofE Primary School in Greville Drive, has been awarded an outstanding rating after its latest inspection by the education watchdog.

The early years setting opened in 2010 and has been rated outstanding in all but one of its inspections - a good rating in 2015.

Angela Hayward, the director of Start Well Learning, was delighted with the results of the latest Ofsted visit, which took place on June 12.

She said: "We are thrilled and honoured to receive this outstanding recognition from Ofsted for the third time.

"This achievement is a testament to our team's hard work and unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality early years education.

"Our children’s growth, happiness, and success are at the heart of everything we do, and I am incredibly proud of our dedicated staff, children and parents and the successful collaboration we have with Wharton CofE Primary school."

In her report, inspector Susan King praised the nursery's managers and staff, and highlighted the 'rapid progress' children make in their development.

She said: "The experienced, well-qualified managers and staff demonstrate an unwavering sense of purpose.

"They model a thoughtful, questioning approach in their practice. Children, therefore, learn from learners.

"The curriculum promotes children's listening and attention skills from the very start. This gives children access to factual information, new ideas and rich language.

"Well-designed routines, conscientiously followed, mean that everyone knows what they are expected to do.

"This promotes children's obvious sense of security and they generate a busy buzz of self-initiated activity and interaction.

"Pre-school children demonstrate a high level of cooperative play. Children continually build on their existing knowledge of the world.

"Managers are uncompromisingly ambitious for everyone's achievement. Staff incorporate their own ideas and new learning into their practice.

"At the same time, managers give them clear direction that promotes a common approach and a consistently high standard of teaching.

"Staff watch and listen to children. They skilfully intervene to provoke children's thinking and extend their knowledge. All children make rapid progress from their starting points."

A Start Well Learning spokesman added: "Start Well Learning is truly a jewel in Winsford's early years educational landscape, by once again being awarded the prestigious Ofsted outstanding rating in all areas for the third time in 14 years.

"This outstanding achievement reaffirms Start Well Learning's commitment to excellence in early years education and establishes it as a leader in shaping young minds.

"The setting's unique curriculum seamlessly blends play-based learning with structured educational activities, ensuring that every child reaches their full potential.

"Start Well Learning has cultivated a culture of continuous improvement and passion for education. The leadership team's proactive approach and clear vision have inspired staff to exceed expectations continually.

"The staff's dedication to maintaining the highest standards and implementing innovative teaching methods is a key factor in the preschool's repeated success."

Parents have also praised the nursery, with one saying: "Choosing Start Well Learning was the best decision we made for our child.

"The staff are genuinely passionate about what they do, and the nurturing environment they provide has allowed our child to flourish both academically and socially."

Anyone who would like more details on Start Well Learning is asked to call 01606 594637.