A New Chapter for Ofsted: Celebrating Snapdragons Atworth and Grosvenor
We’re delighted to share the latest Ofsted news from Snapdragons Atworth and Snapdragons Grosvenor, marking an important milestone for our nurseries as they receive their first reports under Ofsted’s renewed inspection framework.
These reports represent more than an inspection outcome. They offer a richer picture of nursery life, recognising the relationships, experiences and thoughtful support that help children feel secure, develop confidence and flourish.
A new way of looking at quality
Ofsted’s renewed framework, introduced in November 2025, moves away from the familiar single-word judgement. Instead, inspectors evaluate different aspects of a setting’s provision, using a five-point grading scale and detailed written feedback.
This is a significant change for early years. Rather than reducing a nursery’s work to one overall label, the new approach aims to give families a clearer understanding of what a setting does well and where it can continue to develop.
For us, this focus reflects what matters most: the quality of children's everyday experiences, the relationships they build, the opportunities they have to learn and the care that supports their wellbeing.
Snapdragons Atworth: A culture of kindness, security and inclusion.
Atworth’s report highlights the importance of the warm, nurturing relationships at the heart of nursery life. Inspectors recognised that children are safe, happy and well cared for, with relationships between staff and children described as warm and secure.
The report also identifies a culture of kindness and helpfulness, alongside deeply inclusive practice. Staff identify children's individual needs quickly and provide thoughtful, well-planned support.
These findings reflect the importance of knowing every child as an individual. When children feel safe, valued and understood, they are better placed to explore, build relationships and make progress in their learning.
Atworth has been part of the Snapdragons story since 1998, and its close-knit community, nurturing environment and commitment to children's wellbeing remain central to its approach.
Snapdragons Grosvenor: Strong leadership and development set in a nurturing, magigal and enriching environment.
Grosvenor’s inspection report, highlights particular strengths in children's welfare and wellbeing, inclusion, and leadership and governance. These areas were graded Strong standard, with safeguarding standards also met.
Inspectors recognised the warm, nurturing relationships staff build with children and families, creating a calm and welcoming environment where children feel safe, secure and valued. Staff help children understand their feelings, develop friendships and respect one another's personal boundaries and choices.
The report also celebrates Grosvenor’s inclusive approach. Staff identify children's emerging needs promptly and work closely with families and other professionals to provide tailored support. Strategies such as visual aids, small-group activities and carefully planned interventions help children overcome barriers to learning and participate fully.
Leadership and staff development were another clear strength. Inspectors highlighted the nursery's commitment to staff wellbeing, professional development and continuous improvement. Tailored training, coaching and recognition help practitioners feel valued and equipped to support children effectively.
Parents also spoke highly of the nursery, with one describing it as a “magical” place where children are at the centre of everything staff do.
Children benefit from a wide range of enriching experiences, including regular Forest School sessions, visits to parks, libraries and farms, and opportunities to explore nature and the wider world. Inspectors noted how these experiences help children develop curiosity, confidence and independence.
The report also identifies areas for continued development, particularly ensuring that activities consistently sustain children's engagement and that staff build on children's learning to help them make the progress they are capable of. This feedback provides a clear focus for ongoing improvement.
What does this mean for families?
The new framework encourages families to look beyond a single grade and explore the detail of an inspection report. The individual evaluation areas and inspectors' written findings help explain what children experience, how their needs are met and what supports their learning and development.
We welcome the opportunity to share this detail. High-quality early years education is built through countless everyday moments: a reassuring welcome, a practitioner who understands a child's needs, an exciting opportunity to investigate something new, or the support that helps a child take their next step.
These moments are at the heart of our work.
We are proud of our teams at Atworth and Grosvenor and grateful to the practitioners and leaders whose dedication makes such experiences possible every day. Their commitment to creating safe, caring, inclusive and inspiring environments continues to shape the experiences of children and families across Snapdragons.
Congratulations to both teams on this important milestone.