A nursery in Eccles has been praised by Ofsted after receiving glowing feedback from inspectors.
The Cottage Nursery, a childcare setting in Salford, has received a highly positive assessment following an official inspection on 14 January.
Inspector Michelle Jacques carried out the visit under the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and presents a picture of a nursery where children are consistently happy, safe and making strong progress and where staff passion and dedication are central to everything the setting does.
Children’s emotional well-being sits at the centre of the nursery’s approach. Staff have created a dedicated mindfulness room with calming sensory lights and soft music. The space gives children a quiet place to relax during the day.
A weekly ‘Feel Good Friday’ also helps build a positive atmosphere. Staff and children dress down for the day, which adds to the nursery’s relaxed environment.
The setting also cares for a resident dog and several rabbits. Inspectors said the animals help children develop empathy, emotional regulation and a sense of calm.
Inspectors also praised the nursery’s inclusive approach. Staff trained to support children with special educational needs and disabilities work closely with speech therapists and other professionals.
Together, they create tailored learning plans for individual children. The report highlights the team’s shared understanding and consistent support. As a result, children from different backgrounds and abilities make meaningful progress.
The nursery’s Manager and Director, Miss Wakefield, said she felt proud of the outcome.
She said the report “showcases what we are proud of”, adding that every child at the nursery is “truly supported to be the best version of themselves”. The inspection findings reflect this approach.
The report describes the nursery’s curriculum as ambitious and varied. Children take part in baking clubs, French lessons, music sessions and gymnastics.
Staff also design daily activities around children’s interests. Inspectors said staff act as excellent role models for language development. They regularly use narration, songs and questions to build communication skills from an early age. The nursery’s leadership team is described as passionate and reflective, with low staff turnover and high attendance among children, further testament to the quality of the provision.
Inspectors also identified two areas for improvement. Leaders need to introduce more regular day-to-day feedback for staff to strengthen teaching practice.
The report also notes that staff could better organise transition times, such as when children wait for lunchtime. A better structure would help maintain engagement throughout the full day.
Miss Louise Wakefield, Nursery Manager and Company Director, responded warmly to the report’s findings:
“We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our recent inspection. The report reflects the dedication, passion and hard work of our entire team, and most importantly highlights the wonderful experiences children have at our nursery every day.”
“One of the areas we are particularly proud of is the strong relationships our staff build with the children. This helps them to feel confident, settled and ready to learn. Every child is celebrated for who they are, and we work closely with families and professionals to ensure that all children, including those with additional needs, receive the support they need to flourish.”
“As always, we remain committed to continuous improvement. We welcome the inspector’s suggestions and will continue to reflect on our practice so we can provide the highest possible quality of care and education. We would like to thank our wonderful staff team, our supportive families and, of course, the fantastic children who make our nursery such a special place to be every day.”
Despite these recommendations, the inspection presents a very positive picture of the nursery. Inspectors describe the setting as a caring and supportive community. The Cottage Nursery’s 2026 Ofsted report makes for compelling reading, a community where children are not just cared for, but truly celebrated.
More information can be found on the Ofsted website.
