My Under 5

'Amazing Acle staff create 'welcoming atmosphere'

Back in October 2023, Acle Pre-school in Norwich nervously awaited its upcoming Ofsted inspection, with the experience being the first for all but one member of the team – including management!

Not only did the pre-school achieve a ‘Good’ rating across the board, but manager Hannah Catchpole described the day as “fantastic” and “so positive for all involved”, commending the inspector for “putting everybody at ease”.

The real stars of the day, though, were the children, who “showcased the amazing work we deliver every day so beautifully”, leading to the following comments from the inspector:

Staff create a welcoming atmosphere as children arrive at this friendly pre-school.
Children show that they feel safe and happy.
Staff plan a curriculum that is well-sequenced and tailored to meet the needs of all the children.
Children show a can-do attitude and keep trying hard.
Children rapidly learn new vocabulary and show confidence in offering their own explanations for the meaning of words.
Children make good progress.
Parents are extremely happy with the service provided by the pre-school.
The manager and deputy manager demonstrate a strong, shared vision.

Well done, Acle Pre-school!

Community, collaboration and ‘a big heart’

2023 was a bumper year of achievement for Cygnets Childcare in Great Whelnetham in Suffolk: not only did they kick off the year with an ‘Outstanding’ grade from Ofsted, but this was then followed up with the team winning ‘Early Years Provider of the Year’ at the Suffolk Education Awards towards the end of the year!

A registered charity near Bury St Edmunds, Cygnets Childcare is operated by a small-yet-dedicated team of volunteers and staff. They have a strong ethos at their core, focusing on providing a strong, stable and secure environment for “children to thrive”. Part of this ethos is the setting’s involvement in the wider community – collaborating with the Phoenix over-60s club, the local primary school, businesses and the village community centre – and its individualised, family-focused response to the pandemic.

Cygnets’ manager Carolyn Stokes said: “We are absolutely thrilled, absolutely over the moon. We did not expect this. We are a small setting in a small rural village, but I think the thing about Cygnets is it’s got a big heart. We are all one big happy family, and we are here to do what we can for the children and their families.”
Double well done to Cygnets Childcare!

Making new friends

Church Walk Preschool, in Ulverston, received a hard-earned consecutive ‘Outstanding’ grade in its most recent Ofsted inspection, with the leadership team being praised for working “tirelessly to sustain the highest quality of provision” and for developing “exemplary” partnerships with parents.

In the report, Ofsted also said: “Children flourish at this wonderful setting, where highly experienced staff provide meaningful and engaging learning experiences. A carefully planned and sequenced curriculum provides all children with opportunities to develop their skills.

“Staff challenge children to become deeply involved in their own learning, which supports them to develop resilience and critical thinking skills. They keenly encourage and prompt children’s ideas to help take their learning to the next level.”

Chairperson Nicole Vogler acknowledged the community’s dedication to the preschool, saying: “I would also like to thank the whole local community for their support - this nursery truly does belong to the community. Parents and families attend our fundraising discos and summer challenge and give generously, and we’ve also been supported by local businesses.”

Well done, Church Walk Preschool!

Little Christmas crackers!

On 12 December, the children from Jellybabies Nursery took part in their Christmas play in front of proud parents, grandparents, family and friends. They sang beautifully and acted out songs based on Christmas Eve and the Nativity.

Following the play, the adults and children enjoyed some snacks followed by a family Christmas craft morning, which was a lovely way for everyone to get stuck in together.

Then on 16 December, 76 children from the local community attended ‘Breakfast with Santa’, which was organised by the staff at Jellybabies Nursery. The children – aged between a few months old and 10 years old – sat together for breakfast while Santa went round each table giving presents to the children one by one.

All children received a Christmas craft pack with their breakfast, as well as a present from Santa himself! A lovely community event thoroughly enjoyed by all.

What have you been up to?
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