Cheltenham’s Angel Day Nursery has successfully maintained its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, following a thorough inspection on February 5. Located at 16 Keynsham Road, the nursery caters to up to 50 children aged from birth to four, currently supporting 45 youngsters.
The inspection report lauds the nursery’s rich and varied curriculum, committed staff, and robust safeguarding practices. According to inspectors, the nursery fosters “confident, happy, independent and resilient learners” with a clear vision and strong leadership driving its success.
Children flourish in both indoor and outdoor learning areas, engaging in activities that promote gross and fine motor skills development. From running and balancing outside to older children using pencils and scissors with care, the environment supports holistic growth. Babies are gently encouraged to take their first steps with attentive staff guidance.
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Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support was also highlighted as exemplary. Staff develop targeted learning plans tailored to individual needs, enabling children with SEND to make noteworthy progress. Parents expressed high satisfaction with the personalised care provided.
Communication skills thrive through the use of songs, rhymes, and sign language for babies and toddlers, fostering language development. However, inspectors identified that background noise, especially loud music, interferes with children’s ability to focus and hear instructions, particularly those still refining their language skills.
Creativity is encouraged through themed activities, but inspectors noted the approach tends to emphasize the final product rather than the creative process. For example, when drawing weather symbols, children often wait for staff to draw outlines before decorating, leading to frustration or disengagement for some.
The nursery’s warm and respectful relationships between staff and children were praised. Staff interact kindly during routines such as nappy changes, helping children feel emotionally secure.
Community involvement further enriches learning, with regular outings to the fire station, local remembrance services, and literacy festivals. Children also explore diverse cultures and family structures, broadening their understanding of the world.
Staff well-being is a priority, with leadership fostering regular reflection and safeguarding procedure reviews to ensure prompt reporting of any concerns. Although behaviour management is generally effective, some staff could benefit from further training to better notice and respond to disengaged children.
Operating four days a week year-round, Angel Day Nursery has a team of 17 staff members, including six apprentices. The manager holds a level 6 qualification, with most staff possess relevant childcare credentials.
While the overall effectiveness and leadership received high praise, Ofsted recommended three key improvements: reducing background noise to aid language development, allowing children more creative freedom, and enhancing staff mentoring to swiftly redirect children’s engagement when needed.