Footsteps Watermead Ofsted
OFSTED report praises children’s learning progress!
“Parents speak positively about the pre-school. They praise staff’s good communication
and feel that children develop high levels of confidence. Regular exchanges of information
between staff, parents and carers support children in settling in. Parents speak positively about
the setting, saying that they feel staff are kind and caring. Children say that ‘Footsteps is fun! “
Following an inspection in October, Footsteps Watermead is proud to receive a “Good” Ofsted report across all areas.
The report stated that on first impressions “Children settle quickly at this inclusive and welcoming pre-school. They are warmly greeted by the friendly and caring staff team. Staff reassure and encourage children to play and explore when they arrive.”
The inspector highlighted the learning opportunities as a major strength of the nursery. “They enjoy the environment and are eager to join in with the group activity. Children remain engaged for good periods of time with activities on offer. Staff know children very well and are able to provide additional support at specific times, when children need it. As a result, the key-person approach is well embedded, and children show that they feel secure.”
We are proud that our team is made up of caring and dedicated practitioners. The inspector noted “Staff are strong role models, who are kind and caring in their approach. Staff work very well as a team and routines are seamless. Children know exactly what is expected of them and treat each other with respect and courtesy.”
The Report continued “Children experience good support to develop their communication and language. Staff help engage children in a range of different conversations to support their skills. Children are growing into confident communicators.
We are dedicated to providing a wide array of resources and equipment which are effectively implemented to support the promotion of learning and development. We strive to support individual children’s ideas and interests ensuring the children make good progress towards the early learning goals. We were thrilled that ALL children were noted as making good progress.
OFSTED reported “Staff plan a curriculum led by children’s interests. Staff know children well because they effectively observe children to assess their development. Staff know how to promote children’s learning through play. Staff support children’s mathematical development well. During activities, children learn how to count, recognise shapes and use mathematics purposefully in their play”
We were so incredibly proud of our children during the inspection. And their behaviour shone through. The inspector commented “Children’s behaviour is good. The atmosphere in the pre-school is exceptionally calm. Mixed ages of children keenly play and learn alongside one another. Children consistently show positive behaviour. They follow routines with great eagerness and use good manners. Children offer to help their friends out during play, where they see there is something that they can do to help. Children are polite and caring. They show concern for one another and confidently and politely ask for help when needed.”
We would like to say well done to all the staff and parents at Watermead who helped to achieve this glowing report.
