The manager and staff are positive role models, children are given a broad range of activities in a calm and friendly atmosphere, and staff work closely with parents to understand children’s needs, the education watchdog said.
The pre-school, based next to St John the Baptist in Cauldwell Hall Road, is attended by 75 children up to the age of five.
Noah’s Ark maintained its overall ‘good’ rating from its last inspection in 2013. Broken down, the leadership, quality of teaching, personal development of children and outcomes of children were all rated ‘good’ after the latest inspection last month.
Team manager Rebecca Piotrowski said: “We are so thrilled to have been rated ‘good’. It’s great to know that the robust care, teaching and planning we provide has been recognised.
“We are particularly thrilled because we realise that the benchmark for Ofsted has changed over the years and it’s so much harder to now achieve this high standard.
“To achieve this, we have ensured that every child’s individual needs are met, families are supported well and the environment is stimulating and enriching.
“The inspector picked up on how well the staff knows each child in their care, how happy children are at the setting, how great the tapestry learning journeys are and what great parent partnership we have.”
Lead inspector Jemma Hudson said the manager has set “challenging but achievable plans for continual improvement”.
She said all children make good progress, respond to the “positive and caring approach of staff”, and develop mathematical understanding.
She wrote: “Children are confident and eager to try new things, such as planting potatoes outside. Children are kind to each other and friendships are beginning to flourish.
“They are acquiring good attitudes and skills to support the next stage in their education.
“Staff get down to children’s level and interact purposefully as they play alongside each other.
“They engage children in meaningful conversations and skilfully ask questions to build on what they already know. This supports children’s communication skills.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here