Ofsted has updated the way nurseries are inspected from 2025, with clearer report cards that show simple grades alongside short explanations of what each setting does well and where it can improve.

Nurseries are now graded on a five-point scale,  Exceptional, Strong Standard, Expected Standard, Needs Attention and Urgent Improvement, across key areas such as teaching, early years care, children’s progress, inclusion, leadership, wellbeing, and behaviour.

Monkey Puzzle Stafford’s most recent Ofsted report was published in November 2025, confirming that safeguarding standards were fully met and children’s safety and wellbeing remain a top priority. The nursery achieved Expected Standard across five key areas of inspection, alongside a Strong Standard in one area, reflecting the high-quality care, learning and support provided by the team. Parents and carers can read the full Ofsted report here to learn more about the inspectors’ findings.

Leaders and staff create a nurturing, responsive environment where every child’s wellbeing comes first. Practice is tailored to individual needs, helping children express emotions, build confidence and feel secure. Thoughtfully planned spaces and activities reflect children’s real lives and families, supporting emotional development and inclusion.

Strong partnerships with parents ensure children feel understood and respected. Children show excellent independence in daily routines, supported by positive role modelling from staff. Physical activity and healthy habits are encouraged throughout the day, helping children make confident, healthy choices and thrive in their learning.

The key-person system is highly effective, ensuring children receive consistent, individual support from staff who know them well. This strong approach helps children achieve across all areas of learning. The physical development curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced, with parents recognising the excellent progress their children make.

Children develop strong communication skills, confidently expressing their ideas and emotions with staff support. Language is built step by step, helping children progress naturally and successfully. All children make good progress from their starting points, growing in confidence, independence and readiness for the next stage of learning.

Leaders and staff provide strong emotional support, helping children manage their feelings through positive role modelling, calm routines and clear expectations. Children are gently prepared for transitions, encouraged to be kind and work together, and regularly praised, building confidence and a strong sense of achievement. Warm, positive relationships between staff and children are clearly evident.

Flexible routines support children to settle well, with staff working closely with parents to promote positive habits such as punctuality. Children show growing confidence and independence in daily routines. While children remain engaged throughout the day, some transition times could be planned more smoothly to maintain focus during activities such as group stories.

Leaders and staff deliver a thoughtfully planned curriculum that meets the needs of all children. Observations and assessments help staff tailor learning to each child’s starting point, introducing rich vocabulary, early maths concepts, and language skills. Children learning English as an additional language receive strong support, including key words in their home language, helping them develop confidence in speaking English.

Children’s experiences and interests shape activities, from story-based projects to visits from pets and guests, broadening their understanding of the world. Physical development is actively encouraged through indoor and outdoor play, with room layouts and resources designed to support movement, balance, and coordination for all ages.

Since the last inspection, leaders have driven improvements across the nursery. Staff receive targeted training, including on the key-person role and supporting children’s behaviour, and consistently apply these strategies in daily practice. Children with SEND benefit from timely, tailored interventions, helping them make secure progress.

Leaders foster a supportive environment that values staff development and wellbeing, promoting reflection, peer observation, and celebrating achievements, such as ‘employee of the month’. Parents appreciate staff dedication and report that feedback gives a detailed, engaging picture of their child’s day.