YMCA nursery in Norwich receives Ofsted praise
Muddy Puddles Nursery in Norwich, YMCA Norfolk’s first childcare provision, was recently awarded a rating of ‘Good’ in their first Ofsted report – in which staff were praised for their ‘warm and engaging manner’ and ability to ‘deliver a broad curriculum.’
The 90-place nursery opened in April 2021, and quickly became popular among both parents and children. Kitted out with brand new equipment and based at YMCA Norfolk’s Aylsham Road Community Hub, Muddy Puddles now has a further 90+ children on its waitlist, set to join the nursery.
The Ofsted report highlighted how nursery children are well settled and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the care of staff. It noted how they are encouraged to be independent, quick to develop sensory skills and have access to a wide range of resources and exploratory play.
Staff also received positive feedback around their strong ability to promote children’s speech and language development, through introducing new vocabulary with plenty of repetition and demonstrating correct pronunciation.
Bethany Fox, Muddy Puddles Nursery Manager, said: “We are so proud to have built up such a brilliant reputation in such a short space of time. Receiving a rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted demonstrates the brilliant work of our childcare team, who all work extremely hard to provide top-quality care day in and day out.
“Throughout the report it is continuously highlighted how children feel safe and confident at Muddy Puddles, and that was the exact environment that we set out to achieve. We have grown so much in just two years of operating and have some really exciting plans for the future to further develop our services.”
The report also noted how staff supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well, identifying when children are in need of additional support and ‘work well with external professionals and parents to promote positive outcomes for all children.’
When parents were asked to comment on the nursery and its operations, they praised the range of creative and physical activities offered by the ‘lovely’ staff. They complimented the provision on its wide range of play materials and how their children enjoy using the on-site soft play, as well as how many children have mastered new skills during their time at Muddy Puddles, such as writing their name and learning to ride a bike.
Read the full Ofsted report here and find out more about Muddy Puddles Nursery via their website.
Muddy Puddles Nursery is currently recruiting level 2 and level 3 nursery practitioners to join its childcare team. For further details and information on how to apply, please click here.