Chalkhouse Nursery is celebrating this week after the publication of their recent Ofsted report.
The report, which can be viewed in full on the Ofsted website, praises the setting for its community ethos, strong focus on wellbeing and its family feel, stating ‘Children are happy and have a real sense of belonging at this nursery’.
Since opening its doors in February 2023, Chalkhouse Nursery, situated on Elm Lane in Lower Earley, has become a valuable part of the local community, providing a safe environment for all children aged 0-5.
The report states: ‘Children and staff come from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds, and this is respected and celebrated in the setting. Staff work closely with parents to understand the range of festivals they observe and their different family make-ups.’
Nursery owner, Lucy McAdden, who founded Chalkhouse in 2011, expressed her pride in her team’s achievement: ‘This rating is a reflection of the hard work and passion every member of staff brings to the nursery each day. We are committed to giving every child the best start in life, and it’s wonderful to see that recognised.’
Parents have echoed this sentiment, with many sharing their appreciation for the nursery’s consistent communication, stimulating activities and ‘staff adhering to children’s routines and individual needs with genuine care and affection’.
Lucy, who also owns and runs settings in Kidmore End (established in 2011, Ofsted rating: ‘Good’) and Thames Valley Park (opened in January this year, still awaiting first inspection), was especially pleased to see such warm and positive feedback from parents. ‘The previous nursery on this site had struggled through a series of poor Ofsted inspections and had lost the trust of the local community, so it’s really pleasing to see such lovely comments from parents, both on the day of inspection and in our Google reviews. It’s very important to me that Chalkhouse is a positive and valued part of the community.’
While Chalkhouse Nursery celebrates its success, the team is already looking ahead. Laura, manager of the Lower Earley setting said, ‘We’re thrilled with the result, and look forward to continue to provide excellent care for the children in the local area for many years to come.’
