‘Highly inspirational’ Bath pre-school retains Ofsted’s top rating

Widcombe Acorns Pre-School and Forest School has retained its Outstanding Ofsted rating.

The inspector who visited ‘Acorns’ at St Mark’s Community Centre last month has published her report this week.

She highlights the “wonderful atmosphere”, saying: “Staff show genuine interest and affection for the children. They build strong supportive relationships with them, knowing how important these are for children’s well-being and confidence.

“These bonds form an incredibly solid foundation for children’s further learning. Children thrive on the attentive support they receive and learn excellent character traits from staff, who value and respect them.”

Her report says that staff “make learning fun”, offering the children rich, exciting activities and experiences. “Children develop a keen curiosity, a love of learning and a strong desire to achieve.

“They show skills well above their age and are exceptionally well prepared for their move on to school.”

Targeted support helps children make “exceptional progress”. Staff liaise closely with other settings that children attend and with outside professionals to get the youngsters the help they need.

They ensure children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are closely supported to reach their potential.

The inspector highlights that children become confident, fluent communicators, including those who speak English as an additional language. “They show incredible confidence, eagerly communicating in different ways, using signs and complex vocabulary, such as greetings in many languages.”

She says that staff place great importance on developing children’s confidence in doing things for themselves. Staff also encourage their cooperation and collaboration on tasks and children develop a strong sense of responsibility and important life skills.

Children’s behaviour is said to be “exemplary”. Staff post children’s thoughtful behaviour on the ‘kindness tree’, celebrating their achievements.

Staff are skilled at helping children to recognise and manage any risks they encounter, particularly in forest school sessions. “They show exceptional understanding, using equipment and tools very competently and responsibly.”

The report adds: “Leaders work tirelessly to lead this highly inspirational pre-school. The close-knit staff team show such passion for the work they do.

“They are exceptionally reflective and use training very thoughtfully to continue to enhance what they provide for children and families.”

There is said to be an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interests first.

The pre-school has been running since 1975, and there are 38 children on the roll.