Fun-filled reward for outstanding report

A nursery that received an outstanding Ofsted report marked its success with an African fun day.

Just Learning Day Nursery, Allenby Road, Southwell, was described as outstanding in every category of the report.

Manager Miss Su O’Neill said: “We couldn’t have wished for any better so we thought we do something for the children to share our accomplishment.”

The report praised the school’s ethos, which it said provided a very welcoming, stimulating, child-centred environment in which children flourished.

It said: “The premises are very welcoming, well maintained and brightly decorated with children’s work.

“Children’s care and early education is successfully promoted by a very dedicated, caring and motivated team of adults who are very passionate about the service they provide.”

The report said children made outstanding progress in all areas of learning and development.

It said: “Children are very eager to play and join in with the activities and they get excited about what they are doing.

“Babies delight in tactile experiences as they touch the grass or try rolling and catching balls. Toddlers have fun with black and white playdough following on from their interests in zebra.

“Older children thoroughly enjoy the activities that they participate in. For example, building a den, or developing a quarry area, where they understand to be safe.

“Children are all engrossed in their play as they sit and read under the tree or go on adventures on the pirate ship.”

The children took part in a Lion King workshop run by the Nottingham-based company, African Ark.

Bemma Akyeamponge, of African Ark, said they organised creative workshops in schools to teach children about African and Jamaican culture.

The workshop involved children taking part in story-telling, mask making and music and movement classes.

“The children have enjoyed this day. We often do different cultural classes and encourage the children to get involved with everything,” said Miss O’Neill.

A carnival-themed open day will be held at the nursery on September 17.