Peterborough nursery rated as Outstanding by Ofsted for second consecutive report
Stars Day Nurseries Group has celebrated another landmark achievement as Shooting Stars Pre-School has been awarded Ofsted’s highest grading in its final inspection under the old framework.
Shooting Stars Pre-School, located in the Paston and Gunthorpe Community Centre, has been officially rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the body for the second consecutive time. It was previously given the same rating following an inspection in December 2019.
The Ofsted inspector praised the setting’s exceptional staff team, outstanding leadership, and excellent support for children with additional needs that ensures every child flourishes.
The Ofsted inspector highlighted how “staff are exceptionally caring and role model kindness to all. They demonstrate the behaviour that is expected. Staff carefully explain the golden rules to children. They place visual examples of these at child height around the setting. As a result, children behave exceptionally well. They demonstrate cooperation in their play, taking turns and sharing. Staff gently remind children of their golden rules when needed. They praise children using the same language as the rules to ensure consistency. Staff use every opportunity to expand children’s vocabulary.”
The inspector also commended the team’s strong partnerships with families, noting how “a strength of the setting is the partnership with parents and carers. Managers and staff are dedicated to supporting the families of the children they care. They go
above and beyond.”
At the heart of this success is Manager Debbie Goakes, whose passion, dedication, and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the Shooting Stars ethos.
Debbie’s calm yet inspiring approach has fostered a team culture built on trust, creativity, and continuous improvement.
Debbie said “We are absolutely over the moon to have received an Outstanding rating in our recent Ofsted inspection. This achievement is a true reflection of our dedicated and passionate team and the high quality teaching and learning we provide. At the heart of everything we do is creating an environment full of awe and wonder, a place where each child is supported to thrive and succeed.
"Our work doesn’t stop there I am incredibly proud of how our team goes above and beyond to support not only our children but their families as well.”
With settings across Peterborough and beyond, Stars Day Nurseries has grown from a single nursery into one of the region’s most respected early years providers — known for its inclusive approach, innovative practice, and unwavering commitment to
children’s wellbeing.
Group CEO Mohammed Younis OBE expressed his pride in the team’s success: “This Outstanding rating is a testament to the dedication and passion of Debbie and her incredible team. Shooting Stars truly embodies the spirit of our organisation —
where every child is cherished, inspired, and encouraged to shine. To achieve this under the outgoing Ofsted framework makes it even more special — it’s a piece of Stars history, and I couldn’t be prouder.”