Nursery shines as it is deemed '˜outstanding'

Lorraine Allan owns both Twinkle Star and Twinkle Cottage nurseries, in North End and Fratton, which are now both rated outstanding by Ofsted following inspections earlier this year.

In the report Twinkle Cottage was praised across the board, with staff coming in for particular recognition.

Mrs Allan echoed that sentiment when she said: ‘It’s a whole team effort that drives us.

‘As two nurseries we have two fantastic teams.

‘The managers are absolutely superb and without them and that drive we wouldn’t be able to provide that outstanding service.’

The strong relationship between the nursery and parents was also highlighted by the regulatory body and Mrs Allan thanked parents for all their support adding, ‘We couldn’t have done it without them.’

On a personal level, this has signified the realisation of a dream for the owner who admitted to breaking down in tears when she received the news.

‘I must have cried for about two hours when they told me’, said Mrs Allan.

‘You know you’re doing something right to get two nurseries to such a high standard in such a short period of time.

‘It’s an amazing feeling.’

In order to come to their conclusions, the inspectors observed activities and staff interactions with children, including in the outside environment.

They held meetings with Mrs Allan and the manager and spoke to staff, children and parents.

Documents, including children’s records, safeguarding procedures, and written policies and procedures, were scrutinised and the inspector took account of the views of parents as well as their written comments.

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