Pre-school's hard work is recognised

CHIPPING Sodbury Pre-school manager Lauren Perry has won plaudits from Ofsted for her “inspiring and passionate” leadership.

The pre-school, based in the Scout Hut at the Ridings School in St John's Way, was given 'outstanding' ratings for its leadership and management, and children's behaviour and attitudes, after the education regulator visited in December.

The pre-school, which caters for 28 children aged two to four, was judged to be 'good' in all other areas, and 'good' overall.

Ofsted inspector Charlotte Adcock said Lauren was “an inspiring and passionate leader”.

The report said: “She is highly committed to the continuous development of the preschool.

“The manager shares her vision with her competent team of staff. She values the knowledge and enthusiasm that the staff bring to the provision and cares deeply about their well-being. “

The report praised staff for being excellent role models, who “enthusiastically join in with the children's play and spontaneously develop their learning”.

The inspector said: "There is a clear focus on independency in the pre-school. Children enjoy making decisions about their own self- care and needs.

“Children's behaviour is exemplary. Children show high regard to staff and each other, demonstrating exceptional behaviour.

“They politely speak to each other during play, sharing and taking turns. Children display excellent positive attitudes to learning. They are impressively self-sufficient and keen to do things for themselves. “

The report, the first by the watchdog since 2017, said staff monitor children's learning and development closely, and have a deep understanding of what the children in their care need to do next to move on in their development.

The inspector said: "Parents speak highly of the staff and comment that their children make good progress.

"They report that staff go 'above and beyond' to know the children so well and meet their needs."

The inspector found children had plenty of opportunity to access fresh air and exercise, and spend as much time as possible outside, in all weather.

She said improvements could be to support children's communication skills even more and help quieter children to enable them to participate actively.

Lauren said: "We are absolutely delighted with being graded 'good', with two areas of 'outstanding'!

“The team work really hard to ensure the children receive the best care, and I am very pleased that this has been recognised in the outcome of the inspection.”

A pre-school committee spokesperson said: “All the staff go above and beyond to provide child-led learning through play, in an amazingly fun and supportive environment.”