University nursery receives praise in OFSTED inspection

The campus nursery for the children of staff and students at the University of Sussex has received a glowing report from government inspectors, who described it as a "a happy, stimulating nursery".

The nursery, which was set up in 1966, caters for 37 children aged three to five.

Inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) found that, "Children are making excellent progress in all areas of learning. By making choices in their play, they are becoming independent, autonomous learners."

They added: "Children's interest is captured by the stimulating, well-planned programme of activities that is characterised by high expectations for what they are able to understand and achieve."

The eight members of staff at the nursery were commended in the report for "excellent teaching" that "pays close attention to children's individual personalities and interests".

Other particular strengths noted include the fostering of children's creativity, with paintings and drawings that "help to make the nursery rich, exciting and welcoming".

Finally, the inspectors highlighted the nursery's good relationships with parents and carers, which "help staff provide appropriately for individual children".

Rosie Jones, the nursery supervisor, said. "This report is a compliment to all the staff. We feel privileged to work with the delightful children in the nursery, but it is all about team effort."

Notes for editors

The inspection took place as part of a national programme of inspection for the educational provision of three- and four-year olds, and was commissioned by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED).

An inspection of nursery education looks at six areas of learning: personal, social and emotional development; communication, language and literacy; mathematics; knowledge and understanding of the world; physical development; and creative development.

The purpose of the inspection is to identify strengths and weaknesses so that providers can improve the quality of educational provision and help children to achieve the desirable outcomes for children's learning on entering compulsory education, (i.e. by the age of five). The inspection report must be made available to all parents.

For further information, please contact Alison Field or Jacqui Bealing, University of Sussex, Tel. 01273 678888, Fax 01273 877456, email A.Field@sussex.ac.uk or J.A.Bealing@sussex.ac.uk.

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