A PRE-SCHOOL nursery offering ‘exceptional education’ where children ‘experience awe and wonder in everyday experiences’ has been awarded Ofsted’s highest possible rating.

Whitegate Pre-School Nursery on Dalesford Lane was judged ‘Outstanding’ in every inspection category in their latest report published on Friday, January 27.   

In their first routine inspection since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, inspectors noted how 'completely content’ the children were in the surroundings, and how all staff have the highest expectations of children while delivering a curriculum which challenges them to do the best they possibly can.

Northwich Guardian: Children receive visits from various animals, including reindeer and alpacas (Whitegate Pre-school Nursery)Children receive visits from various animals, including reindeer and alpacas (Whitegate Pre-school Nursery) (Image: Whitegate Pre-school Nursery)

Nursery manager, Jo Hignett, was singled out for being a ‘highly reflective practitioner’ who is 'dedicated to the community she serves, supporting other settings by sharing her high-quality practice'.

Jo said: “We are thrilled that Whitegate Pre-School Nursery has been recognised by Ofsted as an outstanding setting.    

“We work incredibly hard to ensure that each and every child in our care has the very best start in their early years education. 

"We pride ourselves on offering a warm, caring and stimulating learning environment in which all children thrive and reach their own unique potential." 

Northwich Guardian: Parents are oberwhelmling positive about the setting (Whitegate Pre-school Nursery)Parents are oberwhelmling positive about the setting (Whitegate Pre-school Nursery) (Image: Whitegate Pre-school Nursery)

In the report, Ofsted inspector, Amanda Richards, said: "Children experience awe and wonder in their everyday experiences. They are frequently given opportunities to make their own choices and develop their own preferences.

"Children receive an exceptional education at the setting.

"The highly qualified staff team has an admirable commitment to continually developing their practice.

"Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level six with qualified teacher status and one at level six with early years teacher status. 

"They take part in a wide range of training, such as 'neuroscience' and 'implementing best practice’ and are able to identify children's levels of engagement and use this to inform their assessments and future planning.

"Support for communication and language is outstanding. Children become articulate and expressive communicators."

Northwich Guardian: They explore outdoors in all weathers (Whitegate Pre-school Nursery)They explore outdoors in all weathers (Whitegate Pre-school Nursery) (Image: Whitegate Pre-school Nursery)

Nursery manager Jo added: “Inspection day was no different from any other day, we used it as an opportunity to showcase what we do and to share our passion for early years education. 

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our families, past and present, for their constant support. 

"We feel privileged to have played just a small part in your children's little lives. ”

Whitegate Pre-School is currently looking for someone special to join their team.  Please contact Jo Hignett to request an application pack: enquiries@whitegatepreschoolnursery.co.uk