A Bexley nursery where children are “confident, articulate and independent” has been given a glowing report by Ofsted after its most recent inspection.

West Street Neighbourhood Nursery, based on Maxim Road in Erith, was rated outstanding after its inspection on January 31, 2024.

The report was then published on February 20, 2024.

Inspectors found that children “thrive” and that the manager and staff “work tirelessly to meet their unique needs from the start”.

The manager is reported to have created “exceptional” relationships with parents, the local children’s centre, and outside agencies to get help for the nursery’s most vulnerable children as soon as possible.

When this help is delayed, the manager and her staff were found to “take decisive action” which makes a “considerable difference” to the development of the children.

Ofsted reported that the nursery’s curriculum is “highly ambitious” which gives pupils the chance to make “the best possible progress from their unique starting points”.

Staff are found to be role models to the children, encouraging them to learn about positive behaviours good manners and helping their friends.

They were reported to have taken every opportunity to encourage children to share and take turns from a very young age.

Inspectors described the “long-serving” manager as being “highly reflective” adding that “despite current staffing difficulties”, she makes sure that all staff get professional development and support.

The way the curriculum is implemented is found to be “seamless”, helping children to gain the knowledge and skills they need for the future.

Ofsted reported that this is especially clear when inspectors observed what children know they can do across the nursery and that by the time pupils get to the pre-school room, many are “confident, articulate, independent and caring individuals”.

There was found to be a focus from staff on making sure children are independent with good social skills.

There is a lot of help and encouragement provided for babies and toddlers in their communication and getting them to learn new words such as “rainbow” and “squishy”, Ofsted reported.

Parents told inspectors that staff are highly supportive and have helped children to improve their speech, independence and confidence.

Manager Paula Sweeney said: “I am very proud of my team and their dedication to the children and their families.

“At West Street we go above and beyond to ensure that every child is able to benefit from high quality early education and care.

“Covid was a particularly challenging time for us as many of children were unable to attend the nursery.

“However, we put strategies in place to identify gaps in children’s learning and provided them with additional support.

“While our outstanding grade is a great achievement, the fact that children enjoy their time at the nursery and progress is the most important.”