The Centre is a hub for innovative early years learning and care, alongside multi-disciplinary on-site research, bringing together academic research capacity, community-focused education and care, and expert knowledge from the children’s charity sector.
Ofsted visited the nursery earlier this month to carry out the first inspection since it opened in April 2021. The inspection looked at the nursery’s overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
The nursery was rated ‘good’ across the board.
Inspectors praised the nursery’s ‘ambitious curriculum that is designed to give children the knowledge and experiences they need to succeed in life’.
They also recognised the support staff provide to parents. The report outlines how staff ‘recognise the importance of supporting families so that they can support their children.’
One of the many initiatives to support families is the establishing of a parent run breakfast club which now takes place each week to support families on topics such as children learning through play and healthy eating.
Jackie Rhodes, Meadows Nursery Manager, said: “We are incredibly proud of all we have achieved since the opening of The Meadows in April 2021. We are pleased that our team’s work and commitment to supporting children and families has been reflected in the positive outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection and clearly demonstrates our vision of ‘Changing Lives through Relationships’.”
The Meadows Nursery is part of the Early Years Community Research Centre, a partnership between the University, Save the Children UK, Watercliffe Meadow School and Sheffield City Council.
It opened in April 2021 to provide much-needed nursery provision for children aged two to four-years-old in the community.
