A Wells nursery has been praised by Ofsted for its nurturing approach, strong safeguarding and the way it supports children to become independent.

Cuddles & Care Children's Day Nursery, based at Ministry House in Cathedral Park, Rowdens Road, was inspected on 12 August. Inspectors found safeguarding standards were met and said children typically benefited from a broad curriculum in a positive and inclusive environment.

The nursery was assessed under Ofsted's newer grading system, with inspectors finding achievement was at the expected standard.

Children were found to make appropriate progress from their starting points and develop skills across the curriculum, from babies learning to feed themselves to older children developing problem-solving skills through play.

Ofsted said children generally behaved well and understood what staff expected of them.

Staff were praised for establishing clear routines and forming positive relationships with children, including helping babies and new starters settle quickly.

The report said children felt safe and secure and were comfortable seeking reassurance and support from staff when needed.

Inspectors also highlighted the nursery's work with children with special educational needs and disabilities and those facing other barriers to learning.

Staff were found to use quieter spaces, sensory areas, sign language and familiar words from children's home languages to help children take part fully.

Leaders were also praised for working closely with families, social workers and other professionals where additional support was needed.

Children's welfare and wellbeing were another positive area.

The report said staff understood children's allergies and food intolerances, provided nutritious meals and promoted healthy habits including regular drinking and oral health.

The nursery was also praised for helping children develop independence, including serving themselves at lunchtime and managing everyday tasks.

There were, however, some areas where inspectors said further improvement was needed.

Ofsted found activities were not always matched closely enough to children's age and stage of development, meaning some children occasionally lost interest or disengaged.

Inspectors also said staff did not always make the most of opportunities to extend children's learning through conversation and interaction during play.

The report noted that the nursery had recently seen a change in leadership, with new leaders developing their understanding of the children, families and wider community.

Staff told inspectors leaders listened to them and supported their wellbeing through regular checks, flexible working and training.

Parents were also reported to have positive relationships with the nursery and received regular information about their children's learning and achievements.

Ofsted has asked leaders to focus on two next steps: making sure staff consistently use opportunities to extend children's learning and ensuring activities are closely matched to children's age, development and individual needs.

Cuddles & Care Children's Day Nursery has been registered with Ofsted since 2013.

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