"Exceptional learning and teaching" - High Flyers Nursery rated 'Outstanding' by OFSTED

High Flyers Early Support Nursery in Thornaby is celebrating after receiving a 'Outstanding' rating in all areas from Ofsted.

Inspectors visited the nursery in September and found the teaching and learning to be "exceptional", with a curriculum which offers "rich opportunities" across all areas of learning.

There was high praise for staff, noting their "relentless" focus on meeting individual needs precisely helps all children to thrive.

Inspectors commended staff for offering "consistent support, reassurance and praise" and noted that "children make exceptional progress".

They also noted that staff hold the highest expectations for every child and the activities the nursery provides are "purposeful and well-matched to children's interests and learning styles".

Encouragement and support from staff to help children gain confidence, participate, and build resilience were some of the many other positive remarks inspectors made in the report. Children were found to "know their feelings matter and that they will always be listened to".

They also noted that family insights are well valued and parents report feeling "welcomed, listened to and reassured", with staff investing time in building "deep, trusting relationships" with them.

The early support nursery on Tedder Avenue supports children with complex and specialist needs. It was inspected in September 2025.

A spokesperson for the nursery said: "'We're so proud to have achieved our fourth consecutive Ofsted Outstanding judgement at The Early Support Nursery! It's a brilliant reflection of the team's commitment to ensuring every child that attends our setting has the best possible start in life with the right support. This builds strong foundations with our families and supports them on their journey."

Councillor Clare Besford, the Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "Congratulations to High Flyers for this 'outstanding' Ofsted rating - it's wonderful to hear the nursery is excelling across all areas.

"Of course, the rating is thanks to a collective effort between staff, children, parents and carers who do so much to give children a rich learning experience and the very best start in life."