Can a Fresh Start Truly Transform a Struggling Nursery?

After being taken over by new management, Otters Nursery School in Cliddesden has turned its Ofsted rating around, going from an ‘inadequate’ score in April to an impressive ‘good’ in just a few short months. The once-struggling nursery, catering to children from three months to five years, has had a complete transformation under its new owners, Victoria and Andy Grayson.

A New Vision for Otters Nursery School

The nursery, situated on Farleigh Road, received its fresh Ofsted rating following a thorough inspection on 30th September. Following an ‘inadequate’ assessment in April, the recent inspection reveals substantial progress. Victoria and Andy, both former primary school teachers, took over the reins just nine weeks prior, with a vision to restore the nursery’s standards and cultivate a more enriching learning environment for young children. The Graysons are no strangers to early years education – they also own Old Basing Village Nursery School and bring their years of experience to this latest venture.

Their efforts, just a few months in, are clearly paying off. Ofsted’s report praised the leadership, noting that management is “highly committed to continually improving children’s care and learning.” It highlighted the dedication of both staff and managers, who’ve worked hand-in-hand with the local authority to implement changes, ultimately creating a safer, more nurturing space for children.

A Positive Cultural Shift

Inspectors noted a shift towards open communication and a robust safeguarding culture at Otters Nursery. According to the report, this is a nursery that “puts children’s interests first,” with a particular emphasis on building strong relationships with parents and addressing each child’s unique needs. With safeguarding as a priority, parents can feel more assured of the nursery’s commitment to the wellbeing of its pupils.

One recommendation for future improvement is the need to consistently extend learning challenges to support children’s progress and enhance communication with parents, especially around dietary needs.

The Drive Behind Otters’ Transformation

Victoria expressed her determination to bring Otters back to its former glory. She recalled her first visit in April, where she felt compelled to step in and make a change. Her pride in the nursery’s transformation is matched only by her admiration for the existing staff, who she says have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in response to new leadership.

Reflecting on the journey so far, Victoria said, “I’m particularly proud of the way in which the existing team members have shown perseverance and open-mindedness when met with new ownership and a new curriculum and vision.”

Building Towards a Brighter Future

The Graysons are brimming with plans to further enhance the nursery environment, including sprucing up the exterior with fresh paint and expanding opportunities for outdoor play. Their vision extends beyond the walls of Otters; they aim to build a collaborative network with their other settings to share best practices.

With their clear passion and commitment, it’s evident that the Graysons are focused on a future where Otters is not just good, but outstanding.

Victoria concluded: “We have exciting plans ahead for Otters and have already brought the team together across our other settings to begin to share good practice. They can enjoy the reward of seeing the ideas and initiatives presented to the children reap rewards in terms of their engagement, rich levels of play, and excitement about accessing the new learning environment each day.”

As the nursery continues on its upward trajectory, the future looks bright for Otters Nursery School, Cliddesden.

“We cannot wait to see what the future has in store for Otters Nursery School, Cliddesden.”