Pre-school rated good in Ofsted inspection

WARGRAVE Pre-School has been rated “good” following an ungraded Ofsted inspection.

The pre-school in East View Road currently has 18 children, aged two to four.

It was inspected on January 29 for the first time since 2019 and was rated “good” in every category, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

Inspector Tracy Bartholomew found that children were “well supported” by staff and felt “safe and happy” in their learning environment.

Her report said: “[Children] have warm and affectionate relationships with the consistent staff, who know them well.

“Staff plan and provide a varied curriculum, which helps to support children’s engagement, curiosity and exploration.

“Staff incorporate children’s interests to help maximise learning opportunities. For example, they know children enjoy sensory play, so they provide many activities that allow children to explore with media and materials, such as dough, paint, glitter and real vegetables.”

Ms Bartholomew said the children behaved well and showed kindness to their friends.

“Staff encourage children to share and take turns and they use consistent and effective strategies to help them learn this skill,” she said.

“Children enjoy a good range of toys, resources and activities that support their learning and development. They make choices about their play and are encouraged well by staff to be independent.”

Staff managed children’s progress effectively and supported them well at mealtimes.

The inspector said: “They have daily chats to review the plans for the day, which includes a review of the focus for individual children. Staff support children’s communication and language skills well through conversations, questioning and the use of sign language.

“They incorporate activities that enhance children’s listening and attention, such as interactive singing and dance sessions, which all children are seen to enjoy.

“Children are captivated and engaged imaginatively in active story sessions, where some staff skilfully add props to bring the stories alive.”

Ms Bartholomew said ongoing coaching and mentoring of staff needed to improve.

Stronger partnerships with other early years providers were also required to better share information about children’s learning and development.

Pre-school manager Leanne Pitcher said: “I am incredibly proud of the team who work so hard to make the pre-school the most amazing place that it is.

“We are very proud of the outcome of our latest inspection and think it really highlights what a truly special place the pre-school is as a core part of the local community.”

In November, the pre-school launched a £20,000 appeal to prevent it from closing due to the rising costs of equipment and utility bills.