Little Hearts Preschool scoops 'good' Ofsted rating

Little Hearts Preschool at St. Meryl Junior Middle & Infant School in The Mead was given Ofsted’s second highest grade in all categories after an inspection on January 11.

Inspectors praised the ambitious curriculum, focus on communication and language, and interesting activities.

In the report, published on February 7, they said: “Children are welcomed into this warm and friendly preschool. They form strong bonds with staff.

“Children receive reassurance and cuddles if needed, which helps them to feel safe and secure.

“Children make good progress in all areas. They are confident learners and familiar with routines in the setting.”

The report included the example that children know instinctively to gather on the carpet when staff clap their hands.

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Strong progress with communication and speaking skills were particularly highlighted because of the impact the pandemic had on many children’s speaking skills, something it said staff are aware of.

Kids were also praised for behaving well as inspectors noted staff have high expectations for behaviour and celebrate achievements.

Only pointing to one area for improvement, inspectors said: “The preschool should support staff to make the most of every opportunity to extend children’s learning, to develop a deeper understanding.”

Little Hearts Preschool (Image: Google Street View)

This was because inspectors found that, occasionally, not all staff take opportunities to extend children’s learning around what is being taught.

According to Ofsted, managers “demonstrate a drive to continually improve the provision to ensure that children have the best learning experience”.

This includes plans to improve the outdoor space.

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Little Hearts has 45 kids aged two to four on roll and employs six members of staff.

Safeguarding arrangements were found to be effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported to progress to the best of their ability.

Parents praised the preschool, saying that it is a “lovely, nurturing environment” and it was noted that they are regularly updated about their children’s learning and development.