Pride at the pre-school parents love

A PRE-SCHOOL that has been supporting families in Yate for more than 40 years has been judged as 'good' in its latest inspection.

Phase Five Pre-school, based in St Nicholas Family Centre, in Chargrove, was praised by regulator Ofsted for having a clear and ambitious curriculum, and promoting learning through the children’s interests.

The pre-school, which is run by a committee of local people, caters for up to 24 children, aged two and three.

The inspection, carried out in December, found the preschool to be “good” in all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management.

Inspector Vicky Burns said children showed good levels of curiosity, engagement and a positive attitude to learning.

Her report said: “They have opportunities to be physically active and learn outdoors.

Yate Town Council Update

“Children negotiate space, playing on balance bikes and building on their skills and coordination. Children listen to staff, focusing their attention. Staff promote a positive learning environment.”

The report said parents spoke highly of the setting, communication was good and they felt well informed and supported.

The inspector said: “They value the choice to enter the setting at drop-off and pick-up times, and staff regularly update parents about their children's learning.

"Parents are actively involved, regularly sharing interests in the home. They comment that 'we love it here,' and that it is 'very friendly' and they 'can't fault it'.

"Children show high levels of independence. Staff support children to complete tasks, for example getting changed into their outdoor shoes before transitioning to the garden.”

The report said staff clearly identify children with special educational needs or disabilities, liaising with parents, professionals and the local authority to support them.

The inspector said that to improve, Phase Five should further develop staff knowledge of behaviour management, so they use a more consistent approach to supporting children's understanding of positive behaviour.

Manager Kate Smoothy said: "We are all very pleased with our recent Ofsted rating of good, and are excited to share our news.

“I am extremely proud of everyone and the way that we work so well as a team, meaning that we can offer the best standard of care to all of our children."

Phase Five committee chair Matt Pritchard said: "I am so proud of all the staff.

"They put their heart and soul into the pre-school and the children in their care - this is validation for all of the hard work that they do."

Events In The Park 2023

Yate Town Council, in conjunction with Friends of Kingsgate Park, is delighted to announce that we will be hosting;

• Easter Egg Extravaganza! (Egg hunt & bonnet competition)

- Monday 10th April 2023 from 10.00am – 12.00 noon;

KINGSGATE PARK SPECIAL!

We have some very exciting up-and-coming projects and events all at Kingsgate Park. This special article highlights what you can expect to see in 2023!

Coronation Sculpted Bench

To mark King Charles III Coronation, it was agreed by the Environment & Community Committee to commission a sculpture to be made out of a tree in Kingsgate Park.

During an assessment of the tree stump, it was discovered that unfortunately the tree was diseased, so had to be felled, and it is now planned to create a commemorative bench.

The felling of the tree was the first step in the project and since then, members of the public were asked, via social media, for ideas of what could be carved into the tree to make the commemorative bench.

The next step of the project is to pinpoint the exact location where the bench will sit and finalise the design with local artist, Andy O’Neill.

• Yate Rocks! (Community music festival) Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th June;

• Carols in the Park - Friday 8th December 2023.

Kingsgate Park Play Area Refurbishment Update

Following the announcement of the refurbishment of Kingsgate Park back in summer 2022, Yate Town Council is proud to report we are making good progress! We have:

• Sourced quotes for the refurbishment of the muchloved timber play equipment, we aim to confirm the order for these works in February 2023, for works to commence in Spring 2023;

• Sought quotes for the refurbishment of the MultUse Games Area (MUGA), to resurface the court and rebuild the walls;

• Placed an order for a replacement zip wire, due for install in Spring 2023, ahead of the main timber refurbishment;

• Released a tender opportunity for new equipment in the under 5 area.