08 February 2010
Inspectors have found the Early Years provision at Castle Court Prep School to be outstanding in all areas.
The findings of the inspection, which took place in September, have just been published in a report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the private education sector’s equivalent body to Ofsted. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Castle Court comprises the school’s Nursery - ‘Badgers’ - and Reception classes.
Extracts from the inspectors’ report include:
“The curriculum is dynamic and children’s ideas, individual needs and interests are developed and extended through a variety of sensory and investigative experiences.”
“The setting is non-selective and provides a warm, friendly, caring atmosphere. It aims to provide a breadth of experience of the highest quality and succeeds, as the provision is outstanding. The quality of learning and teaching is outstanding, supported by detailed planning and reflection. Staff are highly qualified, team dynamics are good, all work and plan together, ensuring a rich and diverse curriculum.”
“The quality of leadership and management is outstanding and is based on constant self-evaluation and a clear vision.”
“The school provides a vibrant learning environment in which every child can thrive. The high-quality resources and creative use of space enable the staff to plan purposeful and challenging learning and play experiences both inside and out.”
“Behaviour and manners are exemplary; children are kind and caring and support each other. Praise and encouragement, clear boundaries and expectations, and a positive reward system reinforce the children’s self confidence and self-esteem and reflect the policies underpinning safeguarding, welfare and the management of their behaviour, which are all securely assessed.”
In conclusion, inspectors reflected: “All children in the setting enjoy their learning, achieve high standards, feel safe, are encouraged to lead healthy lifestyles, make a positive contribution and thus develop their life skills for the future.”
Staff and pupils in Castle Court’s Badger and Reception classes are understandably delighted with the results. Commenting on the inspection, head of Early Years, Maryanne Hellewell, said, “We like to think we are doing a good job for the children here and the positive feedback we get from parents acknowledges this - but we were thrilled to get such an outstanding report from the ISI!”.
The other areas of the school Year 1 – 8 also received an excellent report, and were found to be outstanding in areas across the board with the Inspectors highlighting pastoral care, spiritual, moral and social understanding, links with the parents and community, activities and a significant proportion of the teaching.
Richard Nicholl, Headmaster said “I am not surprised by these outstanding results. My team works hard to ensure that we provide all the children here with the strongest support and highest quality of educational experience. The children are only children once, and it is essential that we ensure that they have a childhood to remember for all the right reasons.”