Like all educational establishments in the UK, Barlow Pre-School undergoes regular assessments from OFSTED, the governments’ education regulator. Here is an extract from the assessment report in 2003:
“Barlow Pre-school provides a happy, caring and stimulating environment where children make very good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of the curriculum. The provision for knowledge and understanding of the world and the opportunities children have to underpin their learning in all areas through imaginative role play are particular strengths.
The quality of teaching is very good. Staff have an excellent understanding of the foundation stage curriculum and provide a stimulating range of practical activities to help children learn. Planning and assessment systems provide a useful framework to help children make progress. Good efforts are made to make sure that the delivery of the curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of all children.
The leadership and management of the pre-school is very good. The commitment to improving practice is demonstrated through the regular monitoring and evaluation procedures which take place, involving the support of the Early Years Officer from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. The supervisor is a key central figure who, along with the committee, motivates and encourages everyone involved in the group to maintain standards and continue to strive to improve them.
The partnership with parents is very good. Parents are actively encouraged to become involved in and understand every aspect of their children's learning. They receive good quality information, both written and verbal, about their progress.”
