OFSTED says children are “thriving” at a preschool that has moved into the historic former Frenchay Primary School building.
An inspector visited Frenchay Common Preschool in July, and said the preschool meets the regulator’s requirements in all areas it assesses: achievement; behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; children’s welfare and well-being; curriculum and teaching; inclusion; leadership and governance.
The visit was made when the preschool was operating in a temporary building at the site.
In September it moved into in part of the main school building, which has been refurbished by charity Frenchay Residents’ Education and Community Hub.
Inspector Tia Claridge highlighted the preschool’s well-established key person system to help children settle in, clear expectations for behaviour and effective approach to ensuring good attendance.
She said: “Children are thriving at the setting and attend consistently, so they can benefit from the curriculum the setting offers.
“Children with special educational needs or disabilities thrive, particularly in their personal, social and emotional development and their communication and language development.
“Leaders and staff create a joyful and calm environment where children feel safe and secure.”
The inspector said children make “sound progress”, setting them up well to start school.
She said the curriculum talk a broad and balanced approach, encouraging them to be independent.
The move into the main school building, which dates back to 1842, has enabled the pre-school to increase its capacity from 16 to 50 places, including ten for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), and move its previous sessions at the village hall to the school site.
It has separate rooms for older and younger preschool children, a separate space for role play, a kitchen for cooking activities and messy play, a sensory room and a large outdoor playground with a climbing frame and an activity shed, called The Den.
Director Lucy Foley said: “We’re proud of the report, particularly that it has acknowledged the SEND provision that we offer.
“We were still in our previous temporary building when Ofsted visited.
“Now we have the same staff and welcoming atmosphere but we’re in our new home, with much more space and specialist SEND provision – I believe we’re the only pre-school in South Gloucestershire that has a sensory room. “We’re looking forward to seeing what we can deliver now that we’re in our bespoke setting.”