A PRE-SCHOOL which has served generations of Fishponds families has been praised by an inspector, as it begins life in its new home.
Ofsted visited St Joseph’s Pre-school at its former home at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Forest Road, in June – just before staff packed up to move to nearby Argyle Morey United Reformed Church, in Whitefield Road, where it is now based.
Inspector Tracey Cook said the pre-school remains ‘good’ in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.
She highlighted the “happy, safe and secure environment” staff provided for the 68 children on the roll.
The inspector said: “Staff know the children well and build positive relationships with them and their parents before children start.
“The curriculum is well planned to meet children’s needs.
“Staff are ambitious for all children to achieve, including those who speak English as an additional language.
“They use their secure knowledge of the children to provide an environment that inspires and engages them, which helps all children to progress well in their learning.”
Opportunities to develop writing, drawing and physical skills were highlighted, along with a focus on developing children’s communication skills.
Children also learn about different countries and cultures, and people in the local community.
The inspector said children’s behaviour is “good and appropriate to their stage of development”, with staff showing them how to take turns using sand timers.
The report said the pre-school’s partnerships with parents are “very good” and said staff worked well as a team, with support from management.
The inspector said: “Parents are very complimentary about the friendly and welcoming staff.
“They are kept well informed about their child’s day.
“Leaders strive to provide the best provision they can. They evaluate staff’s teaching practice regularly and set targets for improvements.
“Leaders seek feedback from children, staff and parents and act on their suggestions. Regular staff training contributes well to their individual professional development.”
To improve further, Ofsted recommended that staff give children more time to think and respond to questions, and ensure all children are fully engaged at group times.
Hard work and positive relationships
Centre manager Cathy Williamson said: “We were really pleased that the inspector saw how hard the staff work, and the positive relationships we have with parents.
“She recognised the opportunities we provide and that staff have really good understanding of the children’s learning and development.
“It’s particularly good that she recognised that our children were curious, inquisitive and motivated to learn, and how well we support the diversity of the children we have.”
St Joseph’s Pre-school had been based at St Joseph’s Church Hall in Forest Road since 1975 but was given notice last year that the Diocese of Clifton, which owns the building, wanted to refurbish it.
The community pre-school, which is run by a volunteer committee, started looking for somewhere it could host its provision for two to four-year-old children, with some office and storage space.
New home
After months of searching, a move was secured to another church building nearby, Argyle Morey United Reformed Church in Whitefield Road (above), on the opposite side of Lodge Causeway to St Joseph’s.
It means the pre-school is still within walking distance of the two schools most of its children go on to attend, St Joseph’s and Chester Park.
The move is for an initial one-year period but if all goes well it can be extended.
Initially the pre-school will keep its current name, which is registered with Ofsted and the Charity Commission, but could change it once it has become established.
For more information about the pre-school, email stjoespreschool234@gmail.com.