Cygnets Pre-School “outstanding in all areas“ – says Ofsted

CYGNETS Pre-school in Westbury is celebrating following the announcement by OFSTED that the results of inspections carried out immediately before the Covid-19 lockdown, can finally be made public. The inspection took place on 29th February, resulting in a report that ranks the setting as outstanding in all areas.

In her assessment, inspector Michelle Heimsoth commented that “children are extremely happy and actively engage in activities, building a vast range of exciting and lasting memories to treasure.” She also added that the children at Cygnets “have exceptionally high levels of confidence and self-esteem, and thrive in the care of the dedicated and committed staff team.”

The report praised the “nurturing and engaging environment, amazingly calm atmosphere and exceptional range of innovative activities” allowing every child in the setting to “make exceptional progress from their starting points, including children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.”

The report specifically highlighted the impact that the staff and environment have on the children’s self-esteem, independence and readiness for school. The inspector commented that “Children have endless opportunities to use their imagination and develop excellent social skills. They take it in turns to order food in the ‘restaurant’ using good manners. They write for a purpose as they take on the role of a ‘waiter’ or ‘waitress’ writing the customer’s order on their note pad. Children laugh and giggle together. They stand under the water as it drips from the shelter outside, pretending to have a shower. They work collaboratively together, using large brushes to sweep the water, and excitedly jump in puddles.”

Additionally, the report praised the setting’s communication and relationships with parents, particularly “the speed at which the manager and staff accurately assess children’s individual needs”, commenting that they “liaise very closely with external agencies and other professionals to ensure that children receive the very best possible support at the earliest opportunity. Consequently, children with SEND make remarkable progress and gaps in children’s learning close very rapidly.”

Cygnets manager Emma Osmond commented “We are beyond thrilled to have received such a glowing report from OFSTED. The result is a testament to the hard work of every member of the Cygnets team. A number of changes have been implemented in the last few years and we have worked hard to ensure these have the most positive outcome for the children in our care. It is also wonderful to have received such a ringing endorsement for Cygnets as we prepare to re-open following lockdown and, after an unexpected delay, finally open the doors to our new setting in Bratton.”

For the full OFSTED report visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50150692

For more information on Cygnets Pre-School please visit www.cygnetspreschool.co.uk.