Christ Church Pre-School Playgroup in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, has once again been rated as Good in all areas by Ofsted. The nurturing, safe, and caring environment along with the strong Christian ethos have contributed to the positive report from the inspectors. With a current enrollment of 36 children aged between two and four years, the pre-school, located on Malvern Road, prides itself on offering tailored support to the little ones.
The inspectors were particularly impressed by the strong relationships between the children and the staff, noting that new children are sensitively supported and are gradually introduced to different aspects of pre-school practice as their confidence and awareness grow. Moreover, the staff effectively cater to the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), providing patient explanations to aid their understanding.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on language development, with staff effectively supporting children’s language progression across all age groups. Additionally, activities that promote dexterity and coordination are incorporated into their learning, aiding in their development and readiness for the next stage of learning.
READ MORE: Man ‘nearly burned alive’ in Egypt after shock
READ MORE: Cotswolds Designer Outlet Nears Completion with New Stores and Restaurants
While the pre-school received commendation for its caring and nurturing environment, there were areas highlighted for improvement. Inspectors recommended focusing on presenting learning environments to consistently engage children and supporting staff to effectively adapt adult-focused activities to ensure all children are suitably challenged.
Despite these recommendations, the pre-school’s leadership and management were praised for their ongoing self-evaluation and development. Their strong community links and reinforcement of the Christian ethos were also highlighted as clear strengths, fostering a positive culture around safeguarding and promoting the children’s interests first.
Vicki West, the play leader at Christ Church Playgroup, expressed pride in the team’s efforts and reflected positively on the inspection process. She emphasized their thorough support for new children and families, and their commitment to building strong connections between home and the setting. Rev Simon Heron, the chair of committee, expressed pride in the service provided and the positive impact on the community.
With a focus on the children’s development, the pre-school aims to address the recommendations and continually improve their setting. They look forward to further enhancing the learning experience for the children under their care.