Friendly village pre-school shines as inspectors rate it "Good"

A pre-school near Bridgwater has shone in its recent Ofsted report. Sunshine Pre-school Puriton was previously told it "Requires improvement" but has been upgraded to "Good" after its latest inspection.

Inspectors said: "Children are happy and settle quickly, as staff provide a warm welcome to children and their families at this friendly village pre-school. The joint managers and staff have worked tirelessly since the last inspection to make improvements and provide a calm and inviting environment, where children feel secure."

Staff were praised as "role models" for their pupils: "Staff are positive role models. They are kind and sensitive in their interactions with children. Children follow the staff's lead, and their play is harmonious."

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The report continued: "Staff are extremely quick to recognise when children consider the needs of others or successfully manage their emotions and feelings. They give them much praise and encouragement, which boosts children's self-esteem very effectively."

From meeting mini-beasts to designing imaginary roads, inspectors noted many enriching activities for children at the pre-school: "Staff successfully foster children's curiosity, providing interesting learning experiences that motivate them to join in and investigate. For example, children take small vehicles on an imaginary journey and use their imagination as they draw roadways and tracks.

"Staff skilfully extend children's learning, engaging them in discussion about the numbers and symbols they create as they draw."

The report continued: "Children have a positive attitude to learning. They gravitate towards staff and show great excitement when staff get involved in their play. They use magnifying glasses and binoculars to search for and identify bugs in the outside area.

"Staff introduce new words such as 'antenna' and 'slither'. This builds on children's vocabulary."

The pre-school also has a good approach to safeguarding. Inspectors said: "There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first."

However, inspectors also urged the pre-school to "provide more targeted support throughout the session for all children to help them achieve their next steps in learning more swiftly".

Joint managers Hayley Holl and Hannah Wylde said: “We are delighted Ofsted noted our ambitious curriculum, and how we foster children’s curiosity encouraging them to join in and investigate. Our strong relationships with parents are key to our success.

"It was a pleasure to show our provision. The children as always were a delight, they made the inspector very welcome. We have a drive to continue to build on our good work.”

Sunshine Pre-School Puriton cares for children aged between two and four. It had 18 children enrolled at the time of inspection.