A LOWESTOFT nursery, which has been open just over a year, has achieved good grades across the board during its first Ofsted inspection.The Ladybird centre inside Kirkley Children's Centre in Kirkley Street opened in May 2007 offering full day and crèche facilities for up to 56 children at a time.

A LOWESTOFT nursery, which has been open just over a year, has achieved good grades across the board during its first Ofsted inspection.

The Ladybird centre inside Kirkley Children's Centre in Kirkley Street opened in May 2007 offering full day and crèche facilities for up to 56 children at a time.

Inspectors praised staff for their clear management structure, their good relationship with parents and the opportunity for children to play freely outside.

The report said: “Children are able to make choices about what they do and there is a good balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities. Children can choose whether to play inside or out for most of the day and many choose to play outside, where they can paint, play with sand and water, as well as engage in physical activities.”

Children were also seen to have appropriate support, whatever their aptitude.

“Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are supported so they can be involved and included. Staff use positive language and praise to encourage good behaviour, such as good listening. Staff use gestures and sign language to reinforce communication with children to ensure that all children are able to understand.

“Children are cared for effectively because there is a good relationship with parents. There is a notice board for parents and some attractive displays on outcomes for children.”

Nursery manager Caroline Brand said: “We are really pleased with the outcome of our first inspection. This is a fantastic facility and we believe the children really enjoy and benefit from their time with us.

“The staff also deserve to have their hard work and professionalism recognised. We know that there are things to improve on and we will, but it is really pleasing to have our hard work and the children's achievements recognised in this way.”

Suggested improvements are to review the nappy changing arrangements in the two to five room to ensure dignity and privacy, the organisation of lunch time to enable children are more actively involved and develop role play to make it more stimulating, including mark-making materials, which children can use to write for a purpose.

Inspectors also asked that a system was devised to ascertain children's starting points from parents and to encourage parents to contribute to their children's learning records on a regular basis.