Outstanding Pre-school

We are happy to announce that Trust Thamesmead's Acorn Pre-school has been awarded Outstanding by Ofsted for the second time running.

The pre-school was the first pre-school in the London Borough of Bexley to be awarded Outstanding in 1997 and four years later, inspectors awarded all 17 areas observed a “Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of the exceptionally high quality”.

Acorn Pre-school opened in 1994 and offers a safe, friendly, stimulating environment, 39 weeks a year, providing a morning and afternoon session Monday-Friday (term-time only and excluding bank holidays), in a self contained building which is owned, managed and funded by Trust Thamesmead.

Each session comprises of four staff members who work in partnership with parents/carers, Trust Thamesmead, Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership-Bexley and Ofsted.

Highlights of the Ofsted report include:

“Children are animated, happy and express a dynamic enthusiasm during their time at the pre-school.”

“(This is a reflection of) Excellent staff management and organisation.”

“The Every Child A Talker (ECAT) programme has been creatively applied by all members of staff who use every opportunity to introduce new words, to encourage children to express their feelings and opinions, describe what they are doing or share information with others during group activities.”

“Children grow in confidence as they learn their opinions are valued.”

“They proudly show their work to adults and know their work is valued because it is labelled and displayed.”

“They respond to consistent praise at their attempts and achievements.”

“They are confident and readily engage adults to join them in their play or respond confidently to questions as to their likes and dislikes.”
“They competently contribute and cooperate with others.”

“Children have a rapidly growing knowledge of how things work and skills they will need in the future.”

“Children understand how to keep themselves safe and demonstrate a strong sense of self-reliance.”

“They build secure relationships with adults and children they know well.”

“The layout of the room provides children with an engaging and stimulating environment.”

“Equality and diversity are very well promoted…children easily learn to respect and value their own cultures, as well of those of the children they know and meet gaily.”

“The partnership with parents and carers is closely considered fruitful. Parents take advantage of the open door policy to discuss their specific requirements. They praise the management and staff for their flexibility, understanding and caring attitudes as children settle, as well as their purposeful and inventive support for their child's rapid learning.”

“Clear aims and priorities for development are supported by resourceful staff that recognise the importance of reflective practice and focused planning to drive improvement.”

“Regular team meetings are used to build confidence, monitor new systems of working and cascade training to all staff.”

“Senior staff have contributed to a stakeholder event for the Tickell review of the Early Years Foundation Stage, gaining confidence in the recognition of their expertise as practitioners.”

Trust Thamesmead's Head of Community Services, Dawn Young added: “Well done Sara, Jean, Kerry, Louise, Kath, Humaira, Emma and Charlie, what a great result! All your hard work and commitment to your setting has certainly paid off. You must be very proud. I certainly am.”

Read the full Ofsted report here.