AN inspector has praised the dedication and passion of a family-run Fishponds nursery.
Ofsted visited Fledglings Day Nursery in Oldbury Court Road in August.
Inspector Rachel Howell’s report said the nursery, which has 93 children aged four and under on its roll, is ‘good’ in all areas – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.
The inspector said: “Children build strong bonds with staff. They very much enjoy their time at this relaxed and friendly family-run nursery.
“Staff show genuine interest in the children. They are attentive and caring.”
The report said babies settle in well and older children learn the skills they need, ready for school.
Work to develop language through work and play, and inspire ideas and creativity, was highlighted.
The report said staff help children develop independence and responsibility, manage their emotions and build their physical strength and coordination.
‘Dedication to providing the best’
The inspector said: “The provider and her staff team show dedication to providing the best they can for children and families that use their provision.
“They are passionate about the work that they do.
“Staff know children well. Key persons observe children as they play, taking note of children’s achievements and outlining any gaps in their learning.
“Staff take time to involve parents in all aspects. Parents enjoy the leisurely drop off arrangements, chatting to staff and sharing changes to children’s routines.”
To further improve the inspector said staff should ensure all children are consistently engaged.
The inspection was the first at Fledglings since 2019, and follows restructuring in 2022 which meant it had to re-register with Ofsted.
Hard work pays off
The nursery is now owned by a company run by Meryl and John Malyckyj.
Mrs Malyckyj (pictured above with staff and children at Fledglings) has managed and led the nursery since opening it in partnership with her mother Eileen Martin and sister Lynne Slater in 1987.
Mrs Malyckyj said: “The staff worked very hard to showcase the Fledglings way of doing things and we feel that the report is as a very fair reflection of our setting, although naturally we take account of the inspector’s constructive comments.
“We have wonderfully supportive parents, who went out of their way to email and speak to the inspector whilst the inspection was being carried out, and it was very humbling to read and hear the comments about how the setting operates.”
Mr Malyckyj said: “Meryl has not wavered from the view that children should come to the nursery to play, have fun and that way they will learn; since inspections began over 20 years ago, that vision has not changed.
“This report very much endorses Meryl’s leadership and experience.”