Ventnor Community Early Years Centre has received an exceptional rating for inclusion and leadership following an Ofsted inspection in January 2026.
The nursery, based at St Francis Catholic and Church of England Primary Academy, opened in August 2023 and offers childcare for children aged one to four.
Inspectors rated inclusion and leadership and governance as exceptional – the highest possible standard – while awarding strong standard ratings across achievement, behaviour and attitudes, children’s welfare and wellbeing, and curriculum and teaching.
Safeguarding standards met
Ofsted confirmed that the setting met all safeguarding standards, finding that leaders had established an open culture in which staff treat safeguarding as a shared responsibility.
Leading the way on inclusion
Inspectors described the centre as “at the forefront of inclusive practice in early education,” noting that leaders take an exemplary approach to supporting children who face barriers to learning, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The report highlights that leaders quickly identify when children need additional support, and that their oversight of children’s progress includes regular reviews and swift adjustments to ensure even small developmental changes are acted upon.
Staff training also drew praise, with inspectors finding that the team’s knowledge and skills precisely meet the needs of all children, particularly those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs.
Going beyond their own setting
Leaders actively secure additional funding to improve children’s opportunities and provide training and information to other early years professionals across the wider community.
Inspectors noted that this approach has a marked impact on the lives of children and families beyond the nursery itself.
Strong results across the board
The report describes children as highly motivated, with strong levels of concentration during both adult-led activities and their own play.
Even the youngest children show notable progress in communication and literacy skills, with babies actively engaging with books and story time.
Staff build what the report calls “highly sensitive bonds” with babies, supporting smooth transitions and contributing to an excellent nurturing environment.
Children thriving from the start
Inspectors found that children arrive each day with high expectations of an exciting and enjoyable learning experience, and that staff enthusiasm contributes to children’s focused interest throughout the day.
Children’s attendance at the setting is described as extremely high, which inspectors say has a significant positive impact on their future outcomes.
