8 Actionable Steps to Achieve an 'Outstanding' Nursery Rating

Achieving an 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted is a significant milestone for any nursery. It reflects a commitment to providing exceptional care, education, and development opportunities for children. We've analysed Ofsted reports in 2024 for nurseries that have achieved this prestigious rating, and identified common themes and practices that contribute to such excellence. This blog post outlines actionable steps that nursery owners and managers can take and work towards an 'Outstanding' rating during their next inspection.

1. Foster High-Quality Staff Interactions

One of the key factors highlighted in Ofsted’s outstanding reports is the quality of interactions between staff and children. These interactions are crucial in creating a safe and secure environment where children can thrive. Nurseries that excel in this area often engage in thoughtful and nurturing activities that help build strong bonds and make children feel valued.

Actionable Step: Encourage your staff to develop close, nurturing relationships with the children. Simple gestures, such as asking for a child’s consent before performing tasks or praising them with clear explanations, can significantly boost their confidence and sense of security.

2. Emphasise Staff Training and Development

A strong commitment to staff training is another common characteristic of outstanding nurseries. These settings provide extensive training opportunities that not only enhance staff skills but also cater to their interests. This approach not only improves the quality of education provided but also contributes to high staff retention rates.

Actionable Step: Invest in continuous professional development for your staff. Consider offering training on topics like adverse childhood experiences, which can equip your team with the knowledge to better support children’s development. Additionally, focus on staff well-being to ensure they remain motivated and committed.

3. Implement a Bespoke Curriculum

Outstanding nurseries often implement a carefully tailored curriculum that addresses the specific needs of different groups of children. The curriculum is regularly assessed and adjusted based on what children need to learn, ensuring it is both engaging and effective.

Actionable Step: Develop a curriculum that is responsive to the unique needs of your children. Use assessments and observations to inform your planning, and ensure that your activities, resources, and environment are aligned with your learning objectives. Consider introducing documentation methods that showcase the progression of your curriculum and children’s development.

4. Utilise Funding Strategically

Strategic use of funding is another factor that contributes to the outstanding status of nurseries. Successful settings often use funding to create resources tailored to children's specific needs, supporting their development in a targeted manner.

Actionable Step: Review how you allocate funding and ensure it is being used to directly benefit the children. Whether it's through resources that support individual learning needs or initiatives that enhance children’s experiences, make sure that every pound spent has a positive impact on the children's growth and development.

5. Promote Independence and Responsibility

Children in outstanding nurseries are often encouraged to develop independence from a young age. Whether it’s washing and drying their hands independently, laying out the cutlery and plates for meal times, or taking on roles in mixed-age groups, children are given the autonomy to make choices and take on responsibilities.

Actionable Step: Create opportunities for children to practice independence and responsibility in your nursery. Simple tasks like allowing children to serve themselves during mealtimes or helping to tidy up can build their confidence and self-reliance.

6. Engage with the Wider Community

Many outstanding nurseries extend learning beyond the classroom by organising trips and activities that help children learn about the world around them. These experiences also foster valuable relationships with different age groups and community members.

Actionable Step: Strengthen your nursery’s connection with the local community. Arrange visits to local landmarks, invite community members to speak to the children, or participate in community events. These activities can enrich the children's learning experiences and help them develop a broader understanding of the world.

7. Nurture Strong Relationships with Parents

Strong partnerships with parents are a hallmark of outstanding nurseries. These nurseries involve parents in their children’s learning and provide them with resources to support development at home. This collaborative approach ensures that children receive consistent support both at home and at the nursery.

Actionable Step: Build strong, communicative relationships with parents. Regularly update them on their child's progress, provide them with home learning activities, and invite them to participate in nursery activities. A collaborative relationship with parents can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your educational programmes.

8. Ensure Robust Safeguarding Practices

Finally, safeguarding is at the heart of all outstanding nurseries. These settings maintain an open and positive culture around safeguarding, ensuring that children’s welfare is always the top priority.

Actionable Step: Review and strengthen your safeguarding procedures. Ensure that all staff are well-trained in safeguarding protocols and that there is a clear process for reporting concerns. Regular drills, such as fire drills, can also help prepare both staff and children for emergencies.

Achieving an 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted is no small feat and requires a holistic approach to early years education. While these eight actionable steps provide a strong foundation, they are just one part of a larger picture. Every nursery is unique, and success lies in continually adapting and refining your practices to meet the evolving needs of the children in your care.

Remember, striving for excellence is an ongoing journey, not a one-time effort. These steps offer a great starting point, but achieving and maintaining an 'Outstanding' rating involves commitment, creativity, and a deep understanding of what makes your nursery special. By implementing these strategies and staying responsive to the needs of your staff, children, and parents, you’ll be well on your way to creating a truly exceptional environment where every child can thrive.