Children’s Corner is the only double winner at Family Business Awards

This story is sponsored by Children’s Corner Childcare.

Companies from across the region were recognised at the Yorkshire & Humber Family Business Awards last month, but none had a better night than Children’s Corner Childcare. 

The group, which runs 10 childcare settings, including one in Harrogate, all rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, was the only double winner of the evening. 

It not only scooped the Business Services award, but operations manager Nicola Stanworth also won the only individual award of the evening, for Employee of the Year. 

Nicola beat a field of 16 finalists from every sector across the region. She said: 

“I was over the moon – I never expected to be singled out like that for doing what I do. To know that other people recognised all the effort I put in was an amazing feeling. 

“I’m completely dedicated to Children’s Corner. I started working here as a 15-year-old while doing my GCSEs, and had a part-time role here while I was doing my teaching degree at Leeds Metropolitan University. Once I’d graduated, Early Years education called me, and I came here full-time. 

“I have a diverse role, looking after all the operations and logistics, and I never switch off – it’s just how I’m built!” 

Children’s Corner was set up in 1995 by former police officer Lesley Dawson and her husband Allan when they couldn’t find a nursery they liked for their first son. Nearly 30 years later, two of their three sons also now work in the company, making it a truly family-run enterprise. 

A photo of Nicola Stanworth of Children's Corner playing with her children.

Nicola Stanworth was named Employee of the Year at the Family Business Awards.

Nicola said: 

“We treat all the children as individuals and focus on making them independent, to prepare them for their next steps in life. We keep our sites fresh, and replace all the resources regularly, and everything’s included in the price, such as healthy meals, milk and nappies.

“Parents can even keep up to date with their children’s progress with the Children’s Corner app. 

“A lot of people say our nurseries feel like a home from home.” 

Children’s Corner is now recruiting across all its nurseries, and is looking for only the best candidates with a small number of opportunities still available at their Harrogate nursery. 

Children’s Corner Harrogate is currently hiring for an Early Years Educator. Click or tap here to apply.

All the company’s key staff have recognised childcare qualifications however Children’s Corner were also recognised at the House of Commons this year as one of the Top 50 SME’s in the UK offering Apprenticeships with a number of apprenticeship opportunities also available for anyone looking to get into the Early Years sector.

Nicola said: 

“Working at Children’s Corner is fantastic anyway, but in addition to the usual benefits, we offer childcare discount, a four-day working week, and even the possibility of study trips abroad, through our charity arm in Malawi. If you’ve got the skills and qualifications join the best nursery group in the region, get in touch.”

Find out more: 

For more information about childcare with Children’s Corner, go to www.childrenscornerchildcare.co.uk. 

If you’re a childcare professional and are interested in joining the Harrogate team, take a look at our current vacancies. 

Boroughbridge out-of-school club receives glowing Ofsted report

A Boroughbridge breakfast and after-school club has received a glowing Ofsted report.

Roboodles, which operates at Roecliffe Church of England Primary School, was described as “wonderful” by inspectors.

An inspection was carried out at the club in November this year.

Ofsted inspector Jan Batchelor said in a report just published:

“Leaders create a wonderful out-of-school club.

“[Children] chat together as they make jewellery, they concentrate as they paint Diwali pictures, and they use their imagination as they create imaginary worlds with dinosaurs.”

The inspection report found Roboodles consulted a nutritionist in providing healthy food for club members.

Ms Batchelor said:

“Children confidently explain to the inspector that they are allowed a drizzle of honey on their toast, not a river.”

Meanwhile, the report found that children were well behaved.

Ms Batchelor said:

“They know they must not run around outside ‘like headless chickens’, but they also know that the most important club rule is to have fun.”

Claire Bennett and Lianne Conroy, Roboodles business partners, said in a statement:

“Our recent Ofsted visit was our first.

“We are delighted with the inspectors report, which captures perfectly how Roboodles operates everyday.

We love what we do and feel very privileged to be able to share our time with the children in our care.”

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Roboodles is based in Roecliffe, near Boroughbridge, and accepts children from reception to year 6.

The breakfast club runs weekday mornings between 7.30am to 8.50am.

The afterschool club runs Monday-Thursday between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, and on Fridays between 3.30pm and 5pm.

Harrogate’s St Robert’s school rated ‘good’ by Ofsted

A primary school in Harrogate has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

St Robert’s Catholic Primary School was described by inspectors as a “welcoming, inclusive and diverse community”.

It was St Robert’s first Ofsted inspection for 14 years.

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The report said:

“The Catholic values of the school are a central feature of its work.

“These values are reflected in the acts of kindness that pupils carry out in the school and in the community.”

The report says “everyone is valued” and “teachers and support staff care passionately about each child”.

The school was assessed as ‘good’ in all areas except early years provision, which was graded as ‘requires improvement’.

Inspectors said:

“In recent years, a large proportion of children have not developed the literacy, communication and language skills needed to make them ready for Year 1.”

St Robert’s Catholic Primary School in Harrogate.

Headteacher Jill Collins said:

“The report recognised that the school’s curriculum is increasingly ambitious and the school gives it careful thought.

“Education is an ever-changing journey on which we are privileged to accompany the children in our care.

“As a school, we are continually adapting to this landscape in order to provide children with opportunities to be the best they can be.

“We are grateful to the whole school community for their continued support in helping to make St Robert’s a place for children to be happy, resilient and forgiving learners.”

The 300-pupil school converted to become an academy school in 2021. It is now part of the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust.

When its predecessor school, of the same name, was last inspected by Ofsted in May 2009, it was judged to be outstanding overall.

Parents interested in enrolling their child can email admin@st-roberts.n-yorks.sch.uk .

New independent school in Harrogate toasts first Ofsted inspection

Staff and pupils at a new independent school in Harrogate are celebrating after it passed its first ever Ofsted inspection with flying colours. 

Strive for Education, on North Park Road, is a special school which caters for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders and social, emotional and mental health needs. 

It was registered with the Department for Education in February this year and inspected in November. Ofsted rated it “good” in all areas except for behaviour and attitudes, which it said were “outstanding”. 

The report said: 

“The atmosphere at the school is calm and caring. During unstructured time, pupils and staff socialise together in a relaxed setting. This helps pupils to feel comfortable and safe. Staff have created a homely atmosphere which is rare to see.” 

Strive for Education has 23 pupils aged 14 to 19, half of them attending on a part-time basis. 

Andy Brown, headteacher and co-owner of Strive for Education, said: 

“We are delighted with our first ever Ofsted report as an independent school. We feel it accurately reports on the quality of the education and care we provide and the incredibly high standards we set out to achieve. 

“Having a three-day inspection is an intense experience, but we feel that this has enabled Strive to improve even further.” 

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Harrogate’s Grove Road remains a ‘good’ school, says Ofsted

Grove Road Community Primary School in Harrogate has retained its ‘good’ rating by Ofsted.

The findings were published in a report today, following an inspection in October.

Grove Road was previously rated ‘good’ in 2018. Ofsted carries out short routine inspections every four years to confirm schools previously assessed as ‘good’ have maintained standards.

Government inspectors said the pupils at the 307-pupil school are “happy, friendly and confident” and have “positive attitudes to learning.”

It added:

“The school ensures that its pupils are safe.

“Bullying is not a problem. Pupils are confident that adults would sort it out if it did happen.

“Many pupils behave very well.”

Ofsted praised the school for its “coherently planned and sequenced curriculum” and said it breaks learning into small steps.

Inspectors also said that in some subjects, such as maths, pupils can “talk about their learning confidently” and show how their knowledge is building over time.

“Teachers use a consistent lesson structure for teaching phonics.

“Pupils achieve well in the Year 1 phonics screening check.

“The school supports pupils who find learning to read difficult to catch up with their peers.”

The school “quickly identifies” any children with potential special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND), inspectors added, and found those with SEND are “fully included in the life of the school”.

They added:

“The school provides opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests. For example, there are some sports after-school clubs and a singing club.”

The report said staff are “proud” to work at the school.

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Areas of improvement

 However, inspectors did note some areas the school could improve on.

Although the school is “ambitious for its pupils”, the report said this is not currently reflected in pupils’ achievement. But, leaders are taking action to ensure that outcomes for pupils improve, it added.

Inspectors praised the curriculum but said some leaders’ checks on what is taught and how it is taught are not “sufficiently rigorous”.

They said, as a result, some leaders have an “overly positive” view of how well the curriculum in their subject is implemented.

‘A special place to learn’

The inspection came after what Ofsted described as a period of “turbulence” in leadership and staff in recent years.

In the academic year 2021/2022, the school was in the highest 20% of all schools nationally for staff turnover and teacher absence.

New headteacher James Grayston said:

“We are delighted with the report which reflects the hard work of everyone involved in the school.

“I would like to personally thank all the staff, governors and parents for their unwavering dedication in everything we’ve been doing. Without fail, they always put the children at the centre of everything we do.

“We all know that Grove Road Community Primary School is a very special place for children to learn and we’re so pleased that the inspector saw what we see every day.”

Moorside Primary School in Ripon rated ‘good’ by Ofsted

Moorside Primary School and Nursery, in Ripon, has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The findings were published in a report yesterday following a two-day inspection in September.

Government inspectors rated the school and nursery, which has 168 pupils, ‘good’ in all four categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

It was the first assessment since Moorside Primary School and Moorside Infant School amalgamated in 2019.

Inspectors said the school “lies at the very heart of its community” and found “pupils enjoy attending school”. They added:

“Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), establish positive relationships with staff. They describe their teachers as ‘caring’ and ‘kind’.

“Parents are effusively positive about the school. One parent captured the views of many in saying: ‘Our children are so lucky to start their education at Moorside. The school is a credit to itself and the community.’”

The report praised the wide range of opportunities given to children, including various clubs and the on-site forest school, as well as trips out into the local area – citing a recent trip to Fountains Abbey.

The school has high expectations of pupils’ behaviour, the report added, and said “pupils enjoy the praise they receive for their good behaviour”. It said:

“They treat their teachers and each other with respect. They talk politely and confidently to visitors, enjoying opportunities to talk about their school.

“Pupils say that they feel safe and they know they can share any concerns with staff.”

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The report said staff are “well trained” and they have a good understanding of the subjects they teach, while leaders and governors have a “shared ambition for the school and its pupils”.

Inspectors also found the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “carefully considered” and adjustments are made to enable these pupils “to successfully access the same curriculum as their peers”.

It added:

“Pupils study a well-sequenced curriculum for personal, social, health and economic education.

“They learn about positive relationships, mental health and the benefits of diversity. Pupils learn about British values.”

The environment of the “warm and welcoming” early years department was found to be “bright and inviting”.

Areas of improvement

Despite the “ambitious” curriculum, inspectors found the school had not “defined precisely the important knowledge that they want pupils to learn”, adding:

“Consequently, some pupils struggle to retain their learning and, therefore, cannot build on this over time.

“The school should review some aspects of the curriculum to ensure that there is greater clarity for teachers about what pupils should know and remember at each stage of their learning, across all subjects.”

It also said, although the school “prioritises” reading, some pupils are given books to read that are “too difficult” and “not well-matched to their phonic ability”, meaning they “struggle to practise” what they have learned.

“The school should make sure pupils’ reading books are well matched to the phonics pupils know.”

‘A fantastic milestone’

 In response to the report, Claire Rowett, headteacher of Moorside Primary School and Nursery, said:

“I would like to thank the dedicated and committed staff and governors who have been part of our unique journey, and helped us to not only physically build a school, but a strong community ethos with children at the heart of it.

“I would also like to thank the parents for their overwhelming support; working in collaboration with us to support their children and for also sharing their views with Ofsted where 100% of them said that they would recommend our school to another parent.

“This is a fantastic milestone on Moorside’s journey to celebrate and the school endeavours to continue to build on their success in the future.

“We are always pleased to share our wonderful provision that we have grown here a Moorside and offer opportunities for prospective parents, families and members of the community to visit at any time.”

Bilton Grange remains a ‘good’ school, says Ofsted

Bilton Grange Primary School in Harrogate has retained its ‘good’ rating by Ofsted.

The findings were published in a report on Thursday, following an inspection in October.

It comes after the school was rated ‘good’ in 2018. Ofsted carries out short routine inspections every four years to confirm schools previously assessed as ‘good’ have maintained standards.

Government inspectors said the school, which is part of the Yorkshire Collaborative Academy Trust, is a “very happy place to learn” and found “pupils are proud to be themselves”.

The report added:

“The school has established a curriculum that helps pupils to secure a deep knowledge of the subjects that they encounter.

“Leaders have established an extra-curricular offer that significantly enriches pupils’ learning.

“Learning is brought to life by visits and trips, as well as the clubs on offer. Many pupils attend the exceptional school choir. They enjoy the frequent opportunities to rehearse and perform. Pupils participate with pride and enthusiasm.”

Behaviour is exemplary, inspectors added, and said the school, which has 315 pupils, gives children the right support when they struggle to manage their behaviour.

The report also said, “pupils recognise the importance of their learning, so lessons are calm and focused”, adding that children “understand what they learn now will support them in the future”.

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The inspectors found:

“Pupils understand differences and know that everyone deserves to be respected. One pupil summed this up saying, ‘we are a respectful community here.’

“Pupils talk with maturity about issues such as healthy relationships and consent.

“They are well prepared for their future lives.”

The report also said pupils receive expert guidance from teachers across a range of subjects, adding:

“Pupils find this learning absorbing.  As a result, their knowledge is impressive.

“Children in early years get off to a flying start with phonics. They use their secure knowledge of phonics to become confident readers.”

Inspectors also noted pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “learn the same ambitious curriculum as their peers”, and said adults “work to remove any barriers that pupils might face to their learning”.

Pupils with SEND flourish because of this support, the report added.

The report also praised those responsible for governance for being “extremely knowledgeable about the school”, and said “the trust and the school deliver highly effective support and professional development for staff at all levels”.

It did not include any areas of improvement for the school to work on.

Ofsted also said, if a graded inspection was carried out now, the evidence gathered suggests it might be rated ‘outstanding’.

‘We are thrilled’

Sian James.

In response to the report, Sian James, headteacher of Bilton Grange Primary School, said:

“The report captures everything about Bilton Grange Primary School that we are so very proud of.
“Everything we do at Bilton Grange has the children’s best interests at heart and we are thrilled this ethos was encapsulated throughout the inspection.
“Our success is because of the dedication and talents of everyone who works at Bilton Grange, alongside the fantastic support we receive from our Academy Trust, YCAT, and the positive relationships we have we our parents, carers and of course our amazing children.”
Harrogate nursery staff ‘adore the job they do’, says Ofsted

Kindercare nursery on Pannal Ash Road in Harrogate, has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The findings were published in a report yesterday following an inspection in October.

Government inspectors rated the nursery, which was registered in 1993, as ‘good’ in all four categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

However, the assessment did see the grading fall from a previous ‘outstanding’ in 2018.

The report said “children enjoy their time at the nursery” and found staff provide a “safe and well-resourced” learning environment. It added:

“Children and babies are keen to explore and have a go at the wide range of activities on offer.

“They like trying tricky activities, such as catching falling leaves and taking turns to build ‘wobbly’ towers of bricks.”

Inspectors said the behaviour and attitudes at the nursery, which has 86 pupils, are “very good”.

The report also described the 20 members of staff as “wonderfully positive role models”, adding:

“They treat children with respect and are consistently kind and calm in their manner.

“Staff use sensitive and age-appropriate methods for managing unwanted behaviour.

“They frequently praise children for being kind and helpful. This helps to support children’s confidence and self-esteem.”

The manager was described as “knowledgeable, proactive and enthusiastic”. She seeks and receives good support from senior managers and reflects on staff training and wellbeing needs, the report added.

Inspectors also praised the “fun and warmth” shown by staff to babies, and noted they “clearly adore the job they do”.

They said:

“The special educational needs coordinator has a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities.

“Staff work with partner agencies to ensure that children’s individual needs are identified and well met. This makes sure that children have a consistent approach towards their care and learning.”

Safeguarding was found to be “effective”.

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Areas of improvement

However, the inspectors did say not all staff interactions with children “fully support them to make the best possible progress”. They added:

“Some staff do not give children sufficient time to deepen their ideas, solve problems, predict outcomes and find different ways of doing things for themselves.”

The report also found:

“At times, staff do not ensure that the outdoor learning environment has a rich range of play experiences to further support children’s development. This limits children to build on their growing physical skills.”

Ofsted said to improve, staff should “strengthen the already good teaching” to improve the children’s focus, as well as make full use of the outdoor space “to help to keep children engaged in their play”.

The Stray Ferret contacted Kindercare for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

The nursery is owned by Busy Bees Ltd, which has more than 390 nurseries across the UK and Ireland.

‘Happy and safe’ Kirkby Malzeard school rated ‘good’ by Ofsted

Kirkby Malzeard Church of England Primary School has retained its ‘good’ rating in an Ofsted report published this week.

Inspectors visited the 90-pupil school, which is between Ripon, Masham and Pateley Bridge, on September 26 for only its second assessment in a decade.

As with the previous one in 2018, the school was judged to be ‘good’.

The report said:

“Pupils love coming to school. Pupils are happy and safe in this nurturing environment. The school’s values of kindness, patience, love and peace thread through every aspect of school life.

“Excellent relationships develop between staff, pupils and families. Many pupils move into the area from other schools. They settle in well and make new friends quickly. Staff listen well to pupils and value their ideas.”

Bullying was described as “rare”, safeguarding was assessed to be “effective” and the school was described as “calm”.

The buddy system, where older pupils mentor younger pupils, was praised for being a good way for pupils to “get to know each other really well”.

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Governors were praised for supporting and challenging senior leaders well.

Inspectors said the “well designed and ambitious” curriculum “deepens pupils’ thinking about culture and life beyond Kirkby Malzeard”, adding:

“For example, pupils learn about the reasons why people migrate. They study the Industrial Revolution and the Windrush generation.”

Some areas in need of improvement at the school, which is federated with St Nicholas Church of England Primary School in West Tanfield, were highlighted.

“There is a lack of consistency in the way in which members of staff check pupils’ knowledge systematically, identify misconceptions and provide direct feedback. This means that some pupils are not given a direct steer to make their learning better.

“The school should ensure that all staff are trained to assess pupils’ knowledge and give them timely feedback.”

‘Hugely positive feedback’

Head teacher Sarah Taylor (pictured above) said the school was proud of the “hugely positive feedback” in the report.

Ms Taylor added:

“The report identified how much our pupils love coming to school and praised the behaviour of pupils who they say live up to the high expectations of behaviour set by staff and treat one another with high levels of respect.

“Inspectors also commented on the calmness within school and the ‘working hum’ as pupils focus on the learning in our ambitious curriculum.

“We are delighted that they recognised the hard work of the staff to provide such a positive environment for our pupils.”

Harrogate nursery rated ‘good’ by Ofsted

Government inspectors have praised staff at a Harrogate nursery in a report published this week.

Ofsted rated Little Dragons Day Nursery on East Parade ‘good’ following an inspection on September 5.

It said “children benefit from a wide range of exciting experiences at this well-organised setting” and “have strong opportunities to explore with their senses”.

The report added:

“Children share and play cooperatively together. They benefit from secure daily routines and regular mindfulness sessions. This helps them to feel happy, safe and secure.

“Staff are caring, nurturing and fun. They build strong bonds and good relationships with children.”

Little Dragons is on East Parade.

Ofsted described manager Bambi Wainwright as “very effective”, adding:

“She provides strong support for her staff team’s wellbeing and continuous professional development.

“Staff are supported to improve their skills through meetings, training and observations of practice. The manager and her staff team are dedicated and passionate about the quality of the service they provide and the outcomes for children in their care.”

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Ofsted recommended two areas for improvement. It suggested Little Dragons reviewed the use of comforters, such as dummies, “to enhance support for younger children’s developing speech and communication skills” and also reduced distractions during group times “to further support children’s listening and attention skills”.

Little Dragons Day Nursery, which caters for 65 children aged up to four, registered in 2012 and employs 14 members of childcare staff.

Ms Wainwright said many staff had been at the nursery since it opened, adding:

“We are absolutely thrilled. It shows all the team’s hard work and dedication has paid off.”