A NURSERY where children “gain a sense of community” has been praised by watchdogs in its first inspection.
The ‘good’ rating awarded to Applemore Early Years Centre has been cause for celebration for both staff and children.
The Claypits Lane nursery was rated ‘good’ in all four categories following the inspection on January 17.
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The inspector said children develop “a good understanding of independence and are supported by staff to look after their individual needs”.
The nursery has a “highly effective key-person system in place”, adding that staff “observe, plan and identify gaps in children's learning.”
In turn, this enables staff to develop next steps for children's learning.
The inspector continued by saying that children “gain a sense of community” and staff have “formed secure relationships with parents and work together in partnership”.
Arrangements for safeguarding were also deemed to be effective.
The nursery opened in July 2020 and is part of the Early Years Group, which is managed by co-owners Gemma Shergold and Hannah Green.
Together, the duo run three other Early Years Education centres, at Hamble, Kings Worthy, and Yateley.
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Mum-of-three Gemma said: “We are extremely pleased to secure this rating in our very first inspection; it’s a welcome validation of all the hard work and dedication shown by our staff.
“At all our centres we strive to provide a home-from-home environment, with key-carers who provide dependable support through safeguarding, pastoral care, stimulating play, and the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
“Personal, social and emotional development inform everything we do from a curriculum perspective; meanwhile, we believe it is fundamentally important to forge excellent relationships with parents and carers in order to ensure the very best outcomes for children.”
The nursery currently cares for 55 children aged between two and five.
It is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm.
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