Grindleford Pre-school celebrates Ofsted endorsement
We’re absolutely delighted to announce that Ofsted have just awarded our
pre-school a resounding ‘Good’ – and coming so soon after we faced an uncertain future, we think that’s just great!
It was only a few months ago that we faced possible closure due to low children numbers – since then, under new management, the pre-school has undergone an unprecendented period of improvement and change. This has been warmly welcomed by local parents across the community.
Clare Hepworth, Eyam resident and parent to Bertie and Bella (2), said, “It’s a fantastic move. Bertie and Bella instantly loved the new style. The feel is very calm and relaxed but they come home bursting to tell me about their day.”
Jane Campbell, Chair of the Pre-school’s Management Committee, has welcomed the Ofsted result. “This is great news. The community will be able to see that the changes that are being made are having a significant impact on the quality of care and on their children. ‘Good’ is great, but we’re not resting on our laurels and we have lots of plans for the future.”
“The inspector was really impressed with our ethos of learning through play and our emphasis on the natural environment and outdoor activities. We want the children in our care to develop independence, inquisitive minds and a lifelong love of learning.”
Grindleford Pre-school is enrolling now for January 2013, and will be increasing its opening hours and launching a Forest School in local woodland from the start of next term.
Some Quotes from the Ofsted Report
Our children are happy and settled
“Children are happy, interested in their activities and eager to try new experiences. They show good levels of curiosity, imagination and positive behaviour”.
“Children settle well in this welcoming environment.”
Our children are learning well
“Children are making good progress in their learning and development”
“The quiet and calm atmosphere enables children to feel confident, take pleasure in their own achievements and engage well with the learning environment […] Children […] become independent learners.
“The daily walk into the adjacent countryside enables the children to explore the natural environment … this activity provides a wealth of learning”
Our children’s individual needs are being met
“All the children attending are treated as individuals and with respect by the dedicated and enthusiastic staff team who provide them with a safe environment and interesting activities that promotes their feelings of well-being and belonging”.
“Staff get to know individual children well through discussions with parents so that they know how to respond and support them in their individual learning and development”.
The pre-school’s staff are effective and caring
“Children … are supported well by knowledgeable staff [who] manage behaviour effectively”.
Staff “have a good understanding of how to encourage and develop [children’s] learning through play”.
We work well with parents
“Parents are confident to speak to any staff member in addition to their key worker to raise any concerns or discuss aspects of their child’s day […] Partnership with parents, staff and the management committee is strong.”
More about Grindleford Pre-school
Grindleford Pre-school is a small friendly Peak village pre-school which operates out of the Bishop Pavillion in Grindleford and has served families in Grindleford, Eyam, Calver and the surrounding areas since 1973.
Our opening hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9.30am-1.30pm. From January 2013 we will open a Forest School on Wednesdays 9.00am-12.00noon followed by an indoor extended afternoon session.
We take pride in offering a personal, family-orientated experience for local children aged 2-4. We focus on learning through play rather than formal teaching, with a strong emphasis on the natural environment and outdoor activities. We aim to help our children develop independence, inquisitive minds and a lifelong love of learning. The new management’s goal is to build the
pre-school into a vibrant and sustainable community facility that is accessible to all local families.
The setting was inspected by Ofsted on Tuesday 16th October 2012 and the Inspection report published on Friday 9th November. The full report can be read at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/CARE/206778. The previous Ofsted inspections carried out in 2009 and 2006 were both ‘Satisfactory’.
Grindleford Pre-school is a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance we would like to thank their Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Office for all their support. We also have a support package in place from Derbyshire County Council and we extend our thanks to their award-winning Early Years team.
For more information or to ask about enrolment contact Jane Campbell on 07786 574 676 or grindlefordpreschool@gmail.com