The design of the nursery includes features which will stimulate the imagination and creativity as well as building children's confidence and developing their skills. The 'open plan' aspects of the layout will allow adults to work co-operatively while the low walls and pod will ensure that the children can create their own dens and play places.

The 'bays' make ideal bases for the different age groups and allow for age appropriate activities and equipment to be used in safety.

Creative play activities such as painting, sand, water, playdough and cooking happen in the 'messy zone' while the main 'play zone' is used for physical or group activities which require plenty of space.

The children's toilets are fitted with cut away door to give privacy whilst ensuring safety. Hand washing in the trough should be fun.

The baby room is light airy and homely. It is well equipped and has an en-suite nappy changing room as well as a separate kitchen.

Although there is plenty of room for babies to play, crawl and sleep in peace and safety, we know that babies love company... so they will sometimes visit other parts of the nursery to watch the action!

The out door play area has been landscaped to allow maximum space for children's safe play as well as scope for their imagination.

The area can easily be zoned and will allow for most activities to be adapted for outdoors and weather conditions. Hopefully wellies and splash suits will soon be hot fashion for our under 5's in Speke!

An Outstanding Ofsted Inspection!
The SureStart Nursery has had its first official Ofsted spot inspection. The Nursery was judged on how well they met the following outcomes for children:

• Being healthy
• Staying safe
• Enjoying and achieving
• Making a positive contribution

For Enjoying and Achieving the Nursery received a judgement of outstanding. The inspector quoted that 'only 16 settings in the whole of the country had been awarded this accolade'. For all other standards we received judgements of Good.

The inspector highlighted the hard work of all staff members in 'ensuring a balanced and stimulating curriculum is provided which is carefully designed and planned to meet the learning needs of all children' from birth to 5 years old. The inspector also made reference to the enthusiasm shown by staff for children's early learning: "every opportunity is taken to help children develop knowledge and skills, resulting in children who are interested, motivated and very keen to learn".

The Nursery was also praised for their close links with other professionals within the SureStart organisation. Help and support is readily available for parents and staff from Health Visitors, SureStart Speech therapist and Early Years Consultant as well as the centre's chef who regularly comes into the Nursery and helps the children to cook their own healthy lunches.

The grading scale used to make judgements is as follows:

• Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality
• Good: this aspect of the provision is strong
• Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound
• Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough