Noah's Ark under 5's delighted with good rating by Ofsted

Noah’s Ark Under Fives is located at the Beeches Families Centre in Bulford, with 78 children up to the age of four years old on roll.

Their Ofsted inspection on April 19, 2024, led by Catherine Sample, rated them good overall, the same as in their last inspection in 2019.

The report opened by saying “children arrive happily, and staff patiently support new starters to settle with cuddles and reassurance.”

Babies read books with staff in a “cosy den” and older children enjoy the use of the outdoor area, showing independence in moving between indoor and outdoor play spaces.

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Additionally, the inspection found that “leaders and staff place a strong emphasis on providing a safe and secure home-from-home environment” by supporting children with “regulating their emotions” following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as knowing children and their families “well”, with an “ambitious” curriculum for all children – including those with special needs and disabilities.

The nursery is also said to welcome a “diverse range” of children and families with staff working hard to value cultural backgrounds and home languages.

Staff also use visual prompts to help those with speech and language delays.

Noah's Ark under 5's 'thrilled' after latest Ofsted inspection (Image: Noah's Ark under 5's)

Children are said to build “strong friendships” and show “affection and care” for each other.

The nursery puts an emphasis on golden rules and boundaries, using “superhero rules” for children aged between two and three to support them with behavioural expectations.

Meals are homecooked, and said to be “healthy and balanced”, with a chef making food “so popular” that she has produced a recipe book for parents to utilise from home. Children’s allergies, intolerances and special requirements are said to be well communicated to between parents and the chef.

Executive coordinator for TNB Garrison Early Years and Play Sarah Hawkins said: “I am thrilled with the Ofsted grading and report. It really reflects the fantastic work and efforts the team have all put in.

"The management team are new yet they have worked very hard to ensure the shared vision is apparent across the nursery and the children and families are very well supported. It was wonderful for the inspector to have noted these successes too.”