Celebrating Excellence at East Village

At East Village, we are proud to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment where our little ones can grow, explore, and learn. We’re thrilled to share that Ofsted recently awarded us a Good rating, recognising the hard work and dedication we put into providing exceptional care and education for our children. In this blog, we’ll highlight what Ofsted had to say, celebrate our strengths, and explore the exciting steps we’re taking to continue improving.

A Warm Welcome That Sets the Tone for the Day

Ofsted highlighted how our children arrive at East Village “excitedly, ready for their fun day ahead” and are warmly greeted by staff who genuinely care about the children and their families. This welcoming environment helps our little ones feel safe, secure, and ready to learn, setting the tone for an enjoyable and productive day of discovery.

A Curriculum Designed to Inspire and Engage

Our ambitious and varied curriculum is a key part of what makes East Village special. Ofsted praised how it “engages and stimulates children to learn,” offering a wide range of opportunities for exploration. From early literacy to physical play, we create an environment that sparks curiosity and encourages children to make good progress from their starting points. Our curriculum is designed to cater to each child’s individual needs and interests, helping them build the skills they need to succeed.

Building Confidence Through Play and Exploration

Our children thrive at East Village as they play “with increasing confidence on their own and with other children.” Ofsted commended our efforts to foster independence and self-assurance, allowing children to explore, take risks, and grow. Whether they’re engaging in outdoor activities like climbing and running or observing the care of our nursery pet, an African snail, we encourage them to develop both socially and emotionally.

Strong Connections with Parents

Parents are at the heart of what we do, and Ofsted praised our strong relationships with families. Through regular updates via our parent app, one-on-one meetings, and hands-on involvement in activities, parents feel well-informed and supported. This open communication helps ensure our children’s needs are met both at home and at nursery. Our partnership with parents has been integral to our ongoing success, with many commenting positively on the progress we’ve made since the last inspection.

Prioritising Safety: Creating a Secure and Supportive Environment

Ofsted noted that safeguarding is a top priority at East Village, stating that our “arrangements for safeguarding are effective.” We are proud of the culture of safety we’ve built, where staff understand their roles and responsibilities to protect the well-being of every child. Daily risk assessments, along with safer recruitment procedures, ensure that East Village is a secure space for our little ones to grow, learn, and play.

Embracing Growth: Areas for Further Improvement

While we celebrate our many strengths, we also recognise there’s always room to grow. Ofsted provided two valuable suggestions for improvement:

• Giving Children More Space to Observe and Learn: Encouraging staff to step back at times during activities, allowing children to observe and learn from each other more effectively.
• Clarifying Intent During Adult-Led Activities: Ensuring that all staff have a clearer understanding of the objectives behind adult-led activities, so children can fully benefit from these experiences.

Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement

At East Village, we believe in continuous improvement, not only for our children but for our staff as well. In response to the Ofsted feedback, we’ve introduced a comprehensive staff training programme. This initiative focuses on helping staff learn when to step back and allow children more space for independent learning. Additionally, we are strengthening our approach to planning adult-led activities, ensuring they are intentional, purposeful, and aligned with specific learning goals.

By investing in our team’s professional development, we aim to create an environment where every child’s learning is not only supported but enhanced. We’re committed to making sure our staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to provide the best experiences for the children in our care.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on our Ofsted rating and look to the future, we’re excited about the many opportunities for growth and improvement. The feedback from Ofsted serves as both a recognition of our strengths and a reminder of the work we continue to do. We are committed to offering the highest standard of care and education, always striving to create a positive and inspiring environment where every child can flourish.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to seeing the continued progress and success of our children as we move forward together!

We’d love to show you around! Book a tour today and find out why East Village is the perfect place for your child to thrive. Get in touch to book your visit!