Buxton Pre-School Playgroup rated 'good' by Ofsted

Ofsted inspectors visited Buxton Pre-School Playgroup, in the village hall on Mill Road, in December.

Their report says: "Children are happy and settled in this friendly and welcoming setting.

"They feel safe and secure in their relationships with staff."

Two-year-old Archie playing with the marble run, with April Williamson, bank staff, at the Buxton pre-school playgroup, which has received a 'good' Ofsted. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Inspectors said that children develop close emotional attachments and that staff respond positively when children need reassurance.

"Children build good friendships with each other. They play well together, have regard for each other's needs and feelings, and are kind to each other," the report said.

Inspectors also noted that children have "a positive attitude to learning" and that staff follow what the children want to do and support their self-esteem.

Evie, three, pleased with her painting at the Buxton pre-school playgroup, which has received a 'good' Ofsted. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Safeguarding measures were effective, the report said.

"Staff fully understand their responsibilities to protect the welfare of children."

The 25-child group, located in the village hall on Mill Street, was rated 'inadequate' at a previous inspection.

Four-year-old Joseph who has built a truck, at the Buxton pre-school playgroup which has received a 'good' Ofsted. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Preschool manager Sonja White said: "We are all over the moon with our latest Ofsted grading.

"It was a real upset when we were graded as inadequate back in May last year, but all of the staff have been totally devoted to working hard to raise the standard of the preschool.

"Our aim is to provided a safe and stimulating environment for our children to grow and flourish and it is fantastic that all our hard work and commitment has been recognised with our new grading.

Pre-school manager, Sonja White, with Alfie, three, at the Buxton pre-school playgroup, which has received a 'good' Ofsted. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Inspectors said that, since the last inspection, staff worked with the local authority to significantly improve their teaching skills.

The six months since Ofsted's previous visit also saw management introduce an "effective programme of supervision for staff".

Another cause for improvement was that the manager has initiated partnerships with the local primary school.

Further improvements, the report recommended, could include giving the children more time to think and more opportunities to learn to do things by themselves.