It’s a Hat-trick! New Bridge Nursery School Awarded ‘Outstanding’ Three Times in a Row

NEW Bridge Nursery School is celebrating once again after receiving the highest praise possible from its Ofsted inspector.

Lisa Bedlow, Executive Head Teacher, is so proud of being graded “outstanding” by the Ofsted inspector, as this is the third time the local authority school has received the top accolade. New Bridge Nursery School, in Montague Street, Caversham, currently has 130 places for children from aged three, including a very popular resource for children with Autism. After a one-day visit to the nursery in March, the Ofsted inspector wrote a glowing report which praised the quality and high standard of education, care and training.

Ms Bedlow said:

“Our staff work extremely hard and are highly committed to offering the best education and care possible through massive times of change. “Despite a reducing budget, we continue to lobby for the recognition of early years education and to stop further budget cuts.” It was noted that parents were overwhelmingly positive about the school. The Ofsted Inspector stated: “Parents spoke to me about the confidence and independence their children develop in their time at the nursery. One parent’s comment reflected the views of others: ‘New Bridge genuinely takes joy in creating fun, magical and special environments for the children each day.” The inspection report reads as a treasure trove of positive comments. The inspector commented: “Children develop positive attitudes to learning. They are self-assured and confident because staff skilfully nurture and encourage them to explore their environment and discover new and interesting experiences.” “The school’s vision, ‘Challenging minds in a changing world’, is a reality at New Bridge Nursery School. This is because adults capture special moments with children to move their learning forward and skilfully build on what children already know and can do.” Other positive findings from the inspectors include: · Children’s learning is planned extremely well. · Extensive opportunities are provided for them to pursue their interests through playing. · Children thoroughly enjoy creative activities and are encouraged to think critically about their learning. · Children displayed joy and pride in their success, which motivated them to sustain their concentration on the task and investigate further learning New Bridge Nursery School is federated with Caversham Nursery School, who also received the accolade of ‘outstanding’ last year for both 0-3s and 3-5 education and care. We are now a fully Outstanding Nursery School Federation.

Cllr Tony Jones, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Education, said:

“I would like to congratulate Executive Head Teacher Lisa Bedlow and everyone else at New Bridge Nursery School for achieving their third consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted judgement. “The management, staff and children should all be proud of the excellent comments made in the Inspector’s report.”