A NURSERY in Kinmel Bay has been praised for its “extremely supportive” nature and the happiness and confidence of its children, following an inspection.
Jumping Jacks, at 165 St Asaph Avenue, Kinmel Bay, Rhyl, was inspected by educational body Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) in March, with a report published today.
The nursery opened in 1991, and is set in half an acre of land, which includes a play barn with sheep and donkeys, an outdoor adventure centre, and a poly tunnel for food and vegetables to grow for use in meals for children.
The report into the nursery rated it ‘excellent’ in all six areas – wellbeing, learning, environment, leadership and management, teaching and assessment, and care and development.
It added that the nursery was an “extremely supportive environment where children thrive”.
A summary of the report stated: “Children are happy, settled and confident. They are at the centre of everything the setting does and have a very strong voice.
“Children talk enthusiastically about their playing, using a rich range of vocabulary effectively.
“Children used sophisticated ideas and language when dissecting tomatoes and planting the seeds.
“Children are developing an effective understanding of the Welsh language and are beginning to respond to instructions well, with children beginning to use Welsh vocabulary independently in everyday situations.
“Practitioners follow a highly effective range of policies and procedures to support them to keep children safe and healthy. Leaders prioritise safeguarding and ensure they follow robust and safe recruitment procedures.
“Practitioners use questioning very skilfully to enhance children’s thinking and problem-solving skills. This is an outstanding feature of the setting.
“Practitioners provide a rich and engaging learning environment of high quality both indoor and outdoor that inspires curiosity and exploration and allows children to choose independently where they wish to learn.
“Exceptional quality and provides excellent and challenging opportunities for children.
“Excellent range of high-quality furniture, equipment and resources both inside and outside that include an abundance of natural, sustainable and open-ended materials that can be anything the children want them to be.
“The setting leader provides excellent leadership for practitioners and has high aspirations for them, empowering them.
“Clear vision and ethos has led to excellent teamwork and collaboration amongst practitioners.”
Manager Jamielee Litherland said of the report: “I am delighted to share the fantastic news that Jumping Jacks Day Nursery has received excellent in all six areas, which hasn’t been seen in this county before.
“This achievement is a testament to all the dedication and hard work from our team.
“We are happy to maintain a high standard, going from strength to strength, whilst also implementing the new curriculum in September 2023, where in November we won the Early Education award of North Wales.
“We encourage strategic thinking and motivate each other to do our very best.
“I am extremely proud of being part of such a wonderful team, the commitment and efforts truly make all the difference, each member of staff brings value to the team.”
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