Norcot Early Years Centre has successfully maintained an ‘Outstanding’ rating since the first Ofsted inspection in 2005

Norcot Early Years Centre has successfully maintained an ‘Outstanding’ rating since the first Ofsted inspection in 2005.

The school on Lyndhurst Road, Tilehurst, has continued to excel; providing a stimulating curriculum and exceptional care.

The Ofsted letter to head of centre, Diana Heath, said: “Leaders, including the governing body, have continued to improve quality of education and care.

“You have refined the school’s monitoring and support systems to ensure that children’s skills, knowledge and understanding develop well in every area of the curriculum.

“Consequently, children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make rapid progress from starting points that are below those typical at this age.”

Leaders and staff are said to provide exceptional care for families that goes beyond their statutory duty and the family worker also provides support regarding housing, finance and medical issues.

Inspectors found that safeguarding at the nursery school was effective and the nursery provided a ‘learning through nature approach’ to activities.

Councillor Ashley Pearce, lead member for Education, added: “Norcot Early Years Centre has a long track record of delivering outstanding education to young children. I congratulate everyone involved in achieving their latest Ofsted judgement.”

Other positives included strong language skills, activities for children’s physical and emotional engagement and the way staff identified the strengths and weaknesses of individual pupils.

One parent echoed the positive report, adding: “Norcot provides us with the best, safest and most inspiring environment for our children.”

Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), a new independent company owned by Reading Borough Council, welcomed the findings of the inspection.

Antony Kildare, managing director of BFfC, said: “We are thrilled with the ‘Outstanding’ judgement for Norcot Early Years Centre and congratulate all leaders and staff at the nursery school.

“It is heart-warming to read the comments of the inspector but also of the parents who use the centre.

“Everybody involved in Norcot Nursery should be very proud of their achievements and with the glowing feedback from the inspector, parents and children.”