Learning Land Nursery, Workington rated Good by Ofsted

Learning Land Nursery, on Derwent Street in the town, was inspected by the education watchdog on June 29 and were found to be good in every area of the inspection.

The management team have thanked the 'amazing, staff, children and parents' at the nursery, whose support they say they 'couldn't do without'.

The report told of how the younger children loved listening to stories from staff (Image: public)

Learning Land Nursery was first opened in June 2004 by manager Hilary Mccarron.

She is now supported in her role by deputy manager Kiana Mccarron as well as a team of childcare practioners - who care for children between the ages of six weeks and 12 years old.

Talking about the inspection result, managers Hilary and Kiana Mccarron said: “We are pleased with the outcome of the inspection as it was the outcome we think we deserved.

"We would like to say a special thank you to the staff for being amazing as always but also to the parents/carers for their lovely, kind words on the day.

"We couldn’t do it without the support from our amazing staff, children and parents."

Painting time is always a winner with children at the nursery (Image: public)

The school's inspector recognised the way that the nursery caters for children in light of the Covid pandemic - praising Learning Land for recognising the impact the pandemic may have had on some children who have never been cared for outside of a family setting.

The nursery was particulary praised for the 'settle-in sessions' that staff run, which have allowed children in Learning Lands care to be 'happy' and 'settled' in the nursery environment.

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The inspector said: "Staff are aware that some children have had different experiences due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For example, babies have never been cared for outside of the family home and have limited interactions with others.

Learning Land children on a day out round Workington Town Centre (Image: public)

"As a result, staff implement individualised settle-in sessions and work hard to ensure parents have all the information they need at the start of the placement.

"Children are happy, settled and form secure attachments with their dedicated key-person.

"Leaders recognise that babies and younger children had less opportunities to socialise with others outside of their family unit during the pandemic.

"They liaise with parents to ensure that settling-in sessions are tailored to children's needs. Children enjoy bringing in special comfort items from home. This is contributing towards children's emotional security."

The nursery was also praised for the behaviour of their children, both towards staff and each other.

Younger children enjoy some chill time with a yoga session (Image: publuc)

The watchdog said: "Children behave well, given their ages and stages of development. They listen to staff and respond appropriately.

"They are friendly towards others during play. Older children know to take turns when speaking in larger groups."

Staff were also praised for the partnerships they develop with parents at the nursery, with communication between childrens homes and schooling being praised.

READ MORE: Learning Land Pre-school, Workington holds graduation ceremony

Ofsted said: "Staff work in partnership with parents. They provide a wealth of information for parents within the nursery and online.

"Staff make time to share information about the range of activities that children engage in at nursery. They meet regularly with parents and other professionals to support children with SEND."