'We work so hard': Rowlands Castle Preschool hailed for making children feel 'secure' and 'safe' following latest Ofsted
Ofsted has published its findings after visiting a preschool
‘Genuine warmth’ at a preschool allows children to grow in confidence and develop a love for learning.
Rowlands Castle Preschool, in Whichers Gate Road, was inspected by Ofsted on March 31, with the visit explaining children “thrive in this nurturing and ambitious” setting.
The inspection found the preschool is operating at a strong standard across all areas including achievement and inclusion.
The report said: “Every part of the day is shaped around helping them feel secure, grow in confidence and develop a genuine love of learning. From the moment they arrive, children move into familiar routines freely and confidently. Staff know each child extremely well and greet them with genuine warmth.
“Communication and language run through everything. Children are immersed in rich conversation, small-group work and storytelling. The setting's deep commitment to sustainability gives every experience a sense of real purpose.”
Care at the preschool is shaped around the children and young people with additional needs are naturally included.
The team at the setting has a strong focus on outdoor learning, which has a positive impact on wellbeing and development. The curriculum is designed around the knowledge staff want children to retain in preparation of school, and key themes are embedded throughout the preschool’s teaching.
Jade Thomas, preschool manager, said: “We are so pleased. We work so hard as a team, we put in a lot of child-led learning and we’ve worked really hard on our ethos and curriculum so we are really pleased to have that recognised.
“I’m most proud of the team because we put children at the heart of everything we do. We are all really passionate and really driven and focused, and we’ve created a space here where all children are settled and thriving and happy, and that’s all we want - Happy children that are developing and learning really well.”
The Ofsted added: “Leaders have a clear, ambitious vision and an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children. This is evident in ongoing developments, including the outdoor environment and a sustained focus on communication and special educational needs and/or disabilities.
“Leadership is genuinely collaborative. Staff contribute ideas and take ownership of developments. Leaders know children and families exceptionally well. Support is carefully planned, consistently applied and regularly reviewed. Close working with parents and external professionals means no child is overlooked.”
In order to maintain progression at the preschool, leadership and governors “should focus on creating a transformational impact on the outcomes and experiences of disadvantaged children, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”