HERE is an insight into some of the best Ofsted gradings given to nurseries and pre-schools across Warrington this year.

The education regulators use a four-point grading scale for inspection judgements:

These are:

Grade 1: outstanding

Grade 2: good

Grade 3: requires improvement

Grade 4: inadequate

Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School – ‘Outstanding’

This nursery in Orford received the top grading of outstanding from Ofsted inspectors in their most recent visit on March 14.

The report said: “Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School is a magical place for young children to play and learn in.

“The school motto, ‘Nurture curiosity and inspire imagination’, is at the heart of everything this school does. Leaders and staff are highly ambitious for all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).”

Jack & Jill Pre-School – ‘Good’

Ofsted inspectors visited this pre-school on Old Hall Road on June 15 this year and graded it as a good in all areas.

The report said: “Children learn about topics that help to develop their knowledge of the world. They are exposed to real-life experiences.

“They enjoy caring for caterpillars and watching them emerge from cocoons. Staff provide further activities to build on children's new knowledge.”

Holyrood Nursery Warrington – ‘Good’

This Grappenhall nursery on Thelwall New Road received an inspection from Ofsted on June 15.

Inspectors determined the nursery as good in all areas.

The report said: “Children enjoy their time at the nursery. Staff get to know children well and build close relationships with them.

“This helps children to settle in quickly. For example, during the inspection, babies on their first day are full of smiles and laughter. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure.”

The Cheshire Day Nursery, Winwick – ‘Outstanding’

This nursery on Hollins Drive received the highest Ofsted grading in their most recent inspection on April 19.

The report said: “Children thrive in this wholly inclusive setting, where their unique needs are warmly celebrated.

“All children demonstrate exceptionally positive attitudes to learning and are deeply engaged in activities of their choosing.

“A skilfully constructed, bespoke and unique curriculum reflects children's individual needs. Staff effortlessly offer challenge, differentiation and an abundance of opportunities for children to recall previous learning and build on what they already know.”

Warren Preschool Ltd – ‘Good’

This Pre-school on Warren Lane received an inspection by Ofsted on May 11 this year.

The outcome of the positive inspection determined the pre-school to be a good school.

The report said: “Children, including those who are very new to this setting, are extremely settled, happy and safe.

“They enthusiastically greet their friends and staff with beaming smiles. Children eagerly arrive, ready to start their day.”

The Cheshire Day Nursery, Guardian Street – ‘Outstanding’

Located on Guardian Street, this nursery received an inspection by Ofsted on April 18 this year.

Inspectors awarded the nursery with the highest grading of outstanding.

The report said: "Children's unmistakeable sense of security enables them to take the ups and downs of a busy nursery day in their stride.

"Children feel safe because staff present routines and activities in a consistent and positive way.

"They make excellent progress because staff know that every detail of the environment and their teaching is important."

First Choice Nursery – ‘Good’

Based on Thewlis Street, this nursery was graded as good after an inspection from Ofsted on April 12.

The report said: “Children are happy and feel safe at this home-from-home, warm and welcoming nursery.

“New children become familiar with the routines of the nursery and settle quickly on arrival. They run in happily and are eager to start their day. They form strong bonds with staff and their peers.”

Nurture, Grow and Learn Childcare – ‘Good’

Located on Lythgoe's Lane, this nursery was graded as good in its inspection on March 29.

The inspectors said: “Children happily enter the warm and inviting nursery and are welcomed by smiling managers and staff.

“They know the routines well as they find their pegs, hang up their coats and display eagerness to start their day. Staff continually praise children for their achievements and provide them with lots of encouragement.”

Little Bears – ‘Good’

Located on Sandy Lane, Little Bears most recent Ofsted visit took place on March 21 of this year, and it was graded as a good nursery.

The report said: “Children are warmly welcomed into this cosy but exciting playgroup. The home[1]from-home atmosphere helps all children to feel secure.

“Children develop strong and caring bonds with their key person, but all staff know the children well. Staff ensure that children are nurtured and cared for, which helps them to feel safe. The environment is stimulating and well resourced, which helps to facilitate children's play and exploration.”

Cherry Tree Nursery School – ‘Good’

Cherry Tree Nursery on Orford Lane was graded as good in its most recent inspection which took place on February 21.

The report said: “Children are happy and safe in this pleasant, well-resourced setting. They form close relationships and feel at ease with their key person.

“This enables children to separate quickly from parents on arrival. Staff know the children very well. This enables them to provide activities and experiences that reflect children's interests.”

The Little Penguins Day Nursery – ‘Good’

Based on Kingsway South, this nursery received an Ofsted visit on February 15 this year and was graded a good setting.

The report said: “Children are happy and secure and enjoy the time they spend at the nursery. They are well behaved and clearly understand what the staff expect from them.

“Children have good social skills and readily involve adults and other children in their play. Children are considerate of their friends and learn to express how they feel.”