Kisharon’s Tuffkid Nursery has been acknowledged as outstanding by Ofsted – for the third time in a row.

Above: Barnet education specialists Louise Jennings, Barnet Early Years Standard Lead, left, and Katie Dawbarn, Co-head of Schools and Settings Improvements, flank Janice in a congratulatory visit to the nursery.

The pre-school nursery in Golders Green run by learning disabilities charity Kisharon for mainstream children and those with special needs has an integrated approach to learning through play.  Tuffkid was awarded outstanding following Ofsted inspections in 2016, 2011 and now 2022.

Barnet’s Early Years Standard Lead Louise Jennings, said: “Well done to the Tuffkid team and children on their successful Ofsted outcome and thank you to them for their hard work!”

Nursery Head Janice Marriott added: “I am thrilled Tuffkid Nursery has continued to be recognised by Ofsted as outstanding. It is a privilege to be part of an amazing organisation with support from an incredible management team who trust in us to thrive.”

Ofsted inspectors said that with the nursery’s excellent education and nurturing, children flourished.

“Each child’s uniqueness is highly valued. They arrive with broad smiles, eager for an exciting day of learning.”

Nursery staff won praise for tailoring the environment and activities to ignite the children’s curiosity and to challenge their abilities.

The children’s emotional well-being was commended too, with inspectors singling out the home visits from staff before pupils join. “This helps children to develop strong attachments with staff right from the start,” the report said.

Janice added: “I pay tribute to my own team who work tirelessly in providing the children with the best experiences possible, to ensure every child reaches their potential.”

The Ofsted report said relationships with parents were exceptional adding that the manager and staff worked tirelessly to involve parents. The nursery’s response to the Covid lockdowns, when play resources were supplied to children and online sessions were run every day, impressed the inspectors too.

“Impeccable” was how the report described children’s behaviour. The report said: “Staff successfully employ ideas such as ‘colour monsters’, to help children recognise and name their feelings. They teach children that all feelings are allowed but some actions are not.”

Janice continued: “We are fortunate to have regular access to and learn from some of the world-leading pedagogical practitioners in early years education and look forward to continuing to improve our skills, knowledge and practices for the benefit of our children present and future.”

Director of Operations and Development at Kisharon, Hadassa Kessler said: “I feel humbled by Janice and her team at Tuffkid Nursery, who continue to be an exemplar of outstanding work.”

In November last year, Tuffkid became the first nursery in Barnet to win a gold HEYL (Healthy Early Years London) award for promoting good health and well-being.

Healthy living plays a prominent role in the nursery curriculum. Tuffkid is sugar-free, and the children practise yoga and learn about nutrition and oral health.

Tuffkid is now accepting applications for September 2023/2024. To apply visit: https://tuffkidnursery.org.uk