Pine Pixies Pre-School delighted with Ofsted result

Pine Pixies Pre-School in Formby recently had their Ofsted inspection. Management and staff were very pleased with the result, which was rated 'Good' in all areas. Pictured below are some of the children at the setting with left to right, Catherine Regan, Registered Person, Co-Managers Martine Platt and Lynda Birtles and Practitioner, Alesha Carr.

Catherine Regan Registered Person for the nursery, would like to say a very big thank you to the staff, parents and children who all contributed on the day. Also to the Inspector, as she worked well alongside us on the day and put our staff and children at ease.

Catherine says: "I am very proud of all the staff at my setting, the level of care and patience they show to the children is outstanding. They go above and beyond the job description and the parents appreciate this. Our parents come back time and time again with siblings, which shows they are happy with our service. Our saying is: 'We’re not just a pre-school; we are an extension of your family.' I think this report and the comments from parents show this to be true."

Although the report only signifies a snapshot from one day, we agreed with the inspector's findings as we have only just started peer observations and these were not completely embedded.

Comments taken from the report are: "The experienced managers seek the views of staff and parents regularly when evaluating the quality of the provision they offer and planning future changes." "Staff observe and assess the progress children make to help them identify what they need to learn next. This enables staff to quickly identify any gaps in children's learning and implement plans to ensure they make good progress." "Staff provide a wide range of exciting and stimulating activities based on children's interests indoors and outside. Children are encouraged to try out their ideas and manage their own risks as they play in the well-resourced garden." "Parents speak highly of the caring staff team. They particularly value the information staff share about their child's progress. Staff offer guidance on things parents could try at home to help support their child's learning and development." "Children form strong bonds with staff which helps to develop their sense of belonging. This is because staff support them well through the key-person system." "Staff are enthusiastic and motivate children in their play. They are always on hand to provide gently reassurance and praise whenever needed." The report also states that children's outcomes are good. "Children make good progress from the time they start at pre-school. They play very well together, negotiating, sharing and taking turns. Children enjoy solving simple problems and use what they already know in a variety of new situations. They respond positively when staff ask questions and challenge them in their learning and work together to try out their ideas. Children are well prepared for the next stage in their learning, including their eventual move on to school. " A very big thank you goes to the managers of the setting.

Pine Pixies Pre-School is now taking admissions for the September term. We will be offering the 30 hours to eligible parents. We are registered for 32 children per session and accept children once they turn two years old. Our opening times from September will be Monday to Friday term time only (38 weeks per year) Full day (6 hours) 9am-3pm Half day (3 hours) 9am-12 noon or 12 noon-3pm 9am -1pm (4 hours) Funding available: Two Year Old Offer Early Years Entitlement which offers all 3 and 4 year old children up to 15 hours per week of funded early education for 38 weeks of the year. An additional 15 hours of funded childcare for families where both parents are working (or the sole parent is working in a lone-parent family), and each parent earns the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum or living wage, and earns less than £100,000 a year.

Why our ratios are better for your child Our ratios are higher than a lot of other settings. Usually, we work above the stated 1 staff member to 8 children for over threes, whereas a lot of other settings work to 1 staff member to 15 children. We think this makes a very big difference to your child. Book your September place today and open up a world of fun to your child. We are not attached to a school and are very child led.

01704 571920 or email pinepixiespreschool@aol.co.uk

Don't just take our word for it listen to our parents-

“Pine Pixies is such a lovely environment for young inquisitive, active minds, it is also a very professional and a warm place for toddlers to make the transition from home to school. All the staff are so lovely and kind and I feel like they really care. My boys have enjoyed their time here.”

“We chose Pine Pixies for PreSchool due to a positive experience with her elder sibling. We have always found Pine Pixies a friendly and caring environment. The staff are Pine Pixies finest asset encouraging, supporting and providing a stimulating learning experience for the children.”

“The Pine Pixies staff have welcomed us into their pre-school with open arms, wide smiles and total professionalism. Our son loves ‘his ladies’ and always has a fantastic time. The days/hours are very flexible and any concerns are dealt with immediately.”

“Nursery teachers are so caring and very attentive to the needs of each individual child. I love the informal play and child-led aspect of learning. I wish this style could continue throughout early years teaching.”

“A lovely setting with lots on offer and friendly caring staff.”