Little Bears Award
Staff and children at a local children’s nursery are celebrating after being awarded the top ‘Outstanding’ grade by Ofsted inspectors.
The Ofsted inspector highlighted many aspects about Little Bears, which is set in beautiful countryside in St Leonards.
‘Children make excellent progress in their learning. High-quality, timely intervention by staff ensures that any gaps in children’s achievements close swiftly. Many children exceed expectations for their age, particularly in their communication and language skills.
‘Most able children are given extensive opportunities to build on their skills in readiness for starting school. Staff include parents in children’s learning. They share home challenges, songs and next steps on a weekly basis with parents.
‘Real-life experiences, such as visits from local people with hearing dogs, help children to learn about disabilities. This supports children’s excellent awareness of the differences between themselves and others.
Playleader Claire Cox was understandably delighted. ‘We have a passion for combining children’s learning with having a positive and fun experience during these vital formative years. We also aim to prepare our children for their next stage, the big move to school. Our children are prepared in the best possible way to ensure they have a smooth transition into school.
‘I am also immensely proud of our dedicated committee and highly professional staff team, whose work ensures our children have the best starts in their lives.’