Pre-School Centre Judged “Outstanding”
Lancaster University Pre-School Centre has been judged outstanding in all areas after a recent Ofsted inspection.
The inspection report states: “The uniqueness and individual needs of all children are recognised and catered for exceptionally well in this highly effective setting. The extremely motivated and committed staff group make sure that they successfully promote children’s safety, welfare and learning to an excellent standard.”
The report also said that children at the Centre are making impressive progress in their learning and development due to the excellent range of activities that are planned to meet their individual needs and interests. The 40-strong staff have very high morale and are led by inspirational managers who are constantly striving to improve standards.
The Centre, based on campus, currently has 196 children enrolled aged from three months to just under five years olds. Centre manager Adele Stewart, said she was delighted with the report. “We are all justifiably delighted that the strong, well established, highly qualified and motivated team which works wonderfully together has been recognised in this glowing report , each individual staff member has worked tremendously hard over the last 3 years and the report is testimony to this”.
The report further praised the “excellent environment” provided by the Centre, which is based on campus. Inspectors said the well-resourced building was attractively decorated with artwork, with a wonderful range of equipment including ”treasure baskets” in the baby room for babies to pick out natural objects, and a sensory room where children can relax. Children also have everyday access to a £40,000 specially designed outdoor area based on the natural environment.
The report said the children “listen carefully to guidance from adults when using tools and equipment in the forest area, as they toast marshmallows on the camp fire. Children have excellent opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise as they have the freedom to move between the outdoor and indoor areas. They are able to discover and explore the natural environment in the forest area where they learn to use tools and develop new skills in building dens and tying knots.”
The Centre is celebrating with a party for Pre-School staff, colleagues and families on Saturday 20th March from 12 to 2pm at Barker House Farm.
The full report can be viewed at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxcare_providers/urn_search?urn=309552&type=1