A KINDERGARTEN based at a scout hut in Stapleton has been praised for making the “very best use of the outdoor natural environment” to educate children.
Ofsted visited Out There Kindergarten in March.
Inspector Linda Witts said the early years setting, which has 36 children aged from three to five on its roll, is ‘good’ in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.
The inspector said: “Children thrive in this setting.
“They engage highly enthusiastically in the rich learning experiences that staff carefully plan indoors and outdoors.
“Staff relate very well to the children. They instinctively extend children’s learning as they go about their play, asking questions to promote their language and thinking.”
‘In-depth understanding of children’s needs’
The inspector highlighted the kindergarten’s use of the outdoor areas around its base at the 252 Scout Group premises in Stonechat Gardens, including nearby woodland where children climb trees and ropes, play, cook, spot birds and study minibeasts.
She said: “The staff team successfully implements a curriculum that takes account of what children need to learn, while incorporating chosen learning approaches to make the very best use of the outdoor natural environment.”
The inspector said the kindergarten’s eight “highly enthusiastic” staff have an “in-depth understanding of children’s needs, interests and abilities”.
They praise and encourage children, enable them to take risks while teaching them how to stay safe, and “know when to play an active role in children’s learning and when to stand back and let them play freely”.
In the course of play they help develop children’s language, listening skills and knowledge of numbers, shapes and mathematical concepts, using games, group times and stories.
The inspector said managers have a “very good overview” of the effectiveness of the curriculum and staff practice, working with outside professionals to find extra help for children who need it.
Partnerships with parents are “very strong”, with parents saying their children are “very happy”.
To further improve, the inspector said staff should develop partnerships with the other settings children attend, “to provide a consistent approach to their learning”.
‘Engagement with the natural world’
The kindergarten opened in 2018 and was last inspected in 2019, when it was also rated ‘good’.
Manager Lisa Lazelle said: “We’re delighted with the inspection results, which recognize our commitment to providing children with opportunities to develop their independence, curiosity, and love for the natural world.”
Director Jenny Brough said: “Despite the significant challenges facing small early years providers—chronic underfunding, escalating operating costs, and climate change impacts—we’ve built a vibrant community where children, families, and educators come together around quality experiences in and engagement with the natural world.
“Our dedicated team works tirelessly to create an environment where children can flourish and develop important skills that prepare them for school and life.”
Out There was founded in 2015 and recently opened a new kindergarten at Lincombe Barn, Downend.
Director Jenny Brough said there is “growing demand from families seeking alternative approaches to early years education in Bristol”.