Lambeth nursery schools hailed as “outstanding”
Three Lambeth nursery schools have won praise for their outstanding Ofsted inspection reports. The recognition came in the recently published report of the Chief Inspector of Schools.
Holmewood Nursery School and Children’s Centre, Triangle Nursery School and Maytree Nursery School were congratulated on their exceptional achievements by Chief Inspector Christine Gilbert.
The nurseries were measured on overall effectiveness, achievement and standards, personal development, quality of the curriculum and other activities, care, guidance and support and leadership and management. The verdicts in each case were ”outstanding”.
Holmewood’s report produced consistent top grades. It says that children thrive because of the outstanding teaching and magical vibrant curriculum.
One parent said the children’s experiences at school “have enriched their lives in a warm, caring and fantastic way.”
Headteacher Sue Donovan commented “Lambeth Children and Young People’s Service needs recognition for its good work - it is a fantastic place where there are lots of interesting and exciting things going on. We get excellent support form the Executive Director, Phyllis Dunipace, and her team, to ensure that standards are raised. Money, time and expertise are invested in our schools.”
At Triangle, the inspection report states, “each child receives a curriculum that is personally tailored to his or her needs…hence children of all backgrounds and abilities make significant progress.” A parent said “A lovely choice of activities encourages children to concentrate, learn, interact and have fun through play.” The Triangle headteacher is Melanie Smith-Brown.
Jenny Bruce, Headteacher at Maytree for the past 16 years, said that the outstanding grade was not a surprise. All the school’s last reports have also been excellent
The current report finds that ”particular strengths at Maytree are the encouragement of children’s independent learning, the development of their ability to play imaginatively and the way activities are planned to encourage children to solve problems themselves. Another area of excellence is the involvement of families and of family learning and support.”
Sue Donovan, Melanie Smith-Brown and Jenny Bruce were all welcomed by Christine Gilbert to a reception and lunch held in London in honour of all outstanding providers.
“This recognition for these three nursery schools is indeed welcome, and the fact is that all our five nursery schools have an excellent record and reputation“ stated Councillor Sally Prentice, Lambeth cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Service.
“Effra Nursery School and Children’s Centre was praised by Ofsted in April for the ”outstanding partnership work of the school with outside agencies and parents.” Ofsted also congratulated the school on maintaining the good quality of education during a move to a new building and expansion to becoming a Children’s Centre.
Ethelred Nursery School also had an outstanding Ofsted inspection report in 2004,” she said.