Our first Ofsted inspection at Altrincham Day Nursery!
We are incredibly proud to share the publication of Altrincham Day Nursery’s first Ofsted inspection report since opening our doors in January 2025.
The inspection was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our children, our team and the warm, nurturing environment we have worked hard to create at Altrincham Day Nursery.
A warm and nurturing place to learn
One of the things that matters most to us is that every child feels happy, safe and secure at nursery – and we were delighted to see this reflected throughout the report.
“Staff create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel emotionally secure. Key persons and staff working directly with children build trusting relationships with them and provide reassurance and support when needed. This helps children feel safe and ready to learn.”
The inspector recognised many of the nursery’s strengths, including the progress children make, our inclusive approach, the relationships between children and staff, and the support provided to families.
Children making fantastic progress
We are particularly proud of the report’s comments about the progress children make during their time with us.
“Children make rapid and sustained progress from their individual starting points.”
“Children consistently build on what they already know and can do and make significant progress across all seven areas of learning.”
The report also highlighted how children develop their communication, build positive relationships and become increasingly confident in understanding and managing their emotions.
These are skills that underpin so much of children’s future learning and development.
“…this helps them become confident, independent and motivated learners.”
Happy, settled and confident children
Our children were absolute stars throughout the inspection.
They happily engaged with the inspector and continued with their usual nursery day, giving her the opportunity to see first-hand how settled and confident they are within the nursery.
The report noted:
“Children who initially find aspects of nursery life difficult become increasingly settled and confident. They develop their communication, independence and ability to manage their emotions.”
It was also wonderful to see our nursery routines recognised for supporting children to develop greater independence.
“…well-established routines help children develop independence, confidence and positive attitudes to learning.”
Strong and ambitious leadership
A huge amount of credit goes to our Nursery Manager, Sarah Sanderson, who had been in post for just four months when the inspection took place.
Sarah has brought real drive and ambition to Altrincham Day Nursery, and we were delighted that this was recognised during the inspection.
“Leaders have established a highly positive culture where children, families and staff are valued and supported. They have an accurate understanding of the nursery’s strengths and priorities for development.”
Sarah is supported by our wider Atherton House Nursery Group leadership team, including Education Director Alice, and Area Managers Becky and Lisa, who work closely with the nursery to support staff development and continually strengthen practice.
A team to be proud of
An Ofsted inspection can naturally feel nerve-racking, particularly for team members experiencing their first inspection.
On the day, Deputy Manager and Baby Room Lead Charlie was on annual leave, as was our experienced Pre-School Lead Kat – but the rest of the team stepped up brilliantly.
Our Nursery Cook, Louise, even cancelled her day off so she could be there to support everyone.
We were therefore especially proud to read:
“Staff describe leaders as highly approachable and supportive and value the guidance they receive. Leaders place significant importance on staff wellbeing, creating an open culture where staff feel listened to and valued.”
The report also recognised a team that is committed to developing and improving:
“…staff are motivated and committed to continually improving their practice.”
An ambitious curriculum
Our very own APEL (Achieving Progress in Early Learning) curriculum is designed around the individual children attending our nursery – building on what they already know, introducing new experiences and helping every child progress.
Ofsted recognised this approach, stating:
“Leaders have developed a broad and balanced curriculum that reflects the needs, interests and experiences of the children who attend.”
For us, learning is about far more than preparing children for their next room or for school. It is about developing confident, curious and independent children who enjoy learning.
Working in partnership with families
Our families are an incredibly important part of nursery life, and we would also like to thank everyone who spoke with the inspector or shared feedback about their experiences with us.
The strong relationships between our nursery and our families were another area highlighted within the report.
“Families receive highly effective support that extends beyond children’s learning in the nursery. Leaders respond swiftly when circumstances change and work collaboratively with families and professionals to reduce barriers.”
The inspector also recognised the importance of the information regularly shared between home and nursery:
“Children benefit from continuity between home and nursery because their families regularly share information about their learning and development.”
We have always believed that the very best outcomes for children come from nurseries and families working together.
Kindness is key
Altrincham Day Nursery only opened in January 2025, so reaching this milestone feels particularly special.
Our first inspection was carried out under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which assesses nurseries across six evaluation areas rather than giving one overall judgement.
We are incredibly proud that three of the six areas were judged to be at Ofsted’s Strong Standard, with the other three meeting the Expected Standard – which Ofsted defines as a high standard of provision. Safeguarding was also found to be met.
For an area to achieve a Strong Standard, a nursery must meet all of the Expected Standard criteria, as well as Ofsted’s additional Strong Standard criteria – making this a fantastic recognition of the quality of provision already established at Altrincham Day Nursery.
In a relatively short space of time, our children, families and team have created a warm and welcoming nursery community that we are enormously proud of.
We often describe ourselves as one big Altrincham Day Nursery family – and our first Ofsted report captures so much of what makes that family special.
A huge well done and thank you to our children, families and entire team. Three cheers for Altrincham Day Nursery!
Read our full Ofsted report here – ADN Ofsted 2026