Ofsted: Chorley school is ‘outstanding’ - 24 years and counting!

Duke Street Nursery School in Chorley has once again been rated as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, marking an impressive 24 years of maintaining this top rating.

The nursery, located in a high-deprivation area of Lancashire, continues to excel in providing exceptional early education and support to its diverse community.

The latest Ofsted inspection, led by Inspector Tim Vaughan, highlighted the school's unwavering commitment to excellence. Vaughan praised the collaborative efforts of staff, parents, and the community, stating, "Maintaining Outstanding standards for over two decades is an extraordinary achievement. It reflects not only the dedication of the staff but also the invaluable support from the entire Duke Street Nursery School community." The report commended the nursery for its inclusive approach, noting how it effectively supports children with complex needs and those made vulnerable by early life trauma.

Executive Headteacher Susan Conron, who has been at the helm for over 23 years, expressed her pride in the school's success. "I am proud and passionate about the dedicated and proficient Early Years team who work tirelessly to support the needs of all children and their families," she said. "Our intake is diverse, and every child's needs are highly valued and met with pride. It's wonderful to have our long-standing efforts recognised."

Conron emphasised that the school's success is rooted in its strong connection with the local community. "I have worked at Duke Street most of my career because I am passionate about doing the best I possibly can for our community in Chorley," she explained. "I have a real connection and passion for this community. I am led to believe it is very unusual for a school to be recognised as outstanding for so long, and that's down to the support of my dedicated team and our children and families."

The Ofsted report also highlighted the nursery's innovative teaching methods and its ability to adapt to changing educational needs. The inspectors noted that children at Duke Street Nursery School are given a robust foundation for lifelong learning, with a curriculum that fosters curiosity and creativity.

This outstanding rating underscores Duke Street Nursery School's role as a beacon of educational excellence in Chorley, providing a nurturing environment where children can thrive. As the school celebrates this remarkable achievement, it remains committed to delivering high-quality education and care to future generations.