Jan 13, 2025
“Staff expertly lead activities that promote children's listening and concentration skills.” - Ofsted
Little Green Rascals Day Nursery in Elvington has received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report for the second time following a recent routine inspection.
During the nursery inspection, which is set in a beautiful farmhouse amidst the trees and open farmland of York Maze, the inspector noted that children “… busy themselves with the purposeful learning experiences that staff plan for them. Staff know the children extremely well. They consider children’s next steps in development and interests to motivate their learning.” As a result, “children naturally choose to take part in these fun experiences. Staff enthusiastically play alongside children, supporting and extending their learning. This ensures that all children thrive and continue to make positive achievements in their learning.”
As pioneers of the Organic Day Nursery concept, the Elvington nursery prioritises natural, locally sourced, and organic products to ensure that all food and skincare products at the setting are additive-free. Toys and resources are sustainable, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and electricity is sourced from ethical suppliers.
Outdoor play and learning form a significant part of the nursery’s ethos, with the outdoor world and nature celebrated and explored within the large garden area and forest school. The Ofsted report comments, “Leaders and staff place a strong focus on learning outdoors in the stimulating garden or at the nursery’s forest school. They take part in challenging and suitably risky play under careful supervision from staff. Staff support children to learn the rules of how to stay safe when engaging in forest-school sessions. They support children to learn how to carefully use tools, such as hammers and saws during woodworking lessons. These activities are taught by highly qualified and experienced staff.”
The highly complementary report awarded an ‘Outstanding’ in all four categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Nursery Manager Andrea Simpkin is overjoyed with the report’s outcome: “I am delighted that all these elements have been recognised yet again. We aim to create a warm, friendly and caring community, using a gentle approach that teaches children to observe emotions and share feelings so that children feel comfortable and at ease to achieve our vision of growing confident, curious learners. Current and prospective parents are welcomed into our setting to see our work, forge strong relationships, and establish a shared care approach. Thank you to our staff team, families and our fantastic children for being part of our journey.”