PUPILS at a foundation school have helped it secure a top report.
Rastrick Independent School’s early years foundation stage was rated good and outstanding in parts of its provision.
The school was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
The pupils celebrated the top result this week with a few snow-based activities – making indoor igloos and enjoying playing out in the snow.
The early years sector was rated good with an outstanding nursery provision for Phoenix House, for babies and toddlers up to the age of two, and Close Lea House, for children aged two-four.
Headmistress Mrs Susan Vaughey said: “We are delighted with the results of this inspection and the excellence of the Early Years Team and their skill and care of our children is celebrated here.
“I congratulate them for their tremendous achievements and team work.”
The school was amongst the first to undergo an inspection under the new regulations provided by the Department of Education.
She added: “We welcome the new framework because it is more rigorous and concentrates on a new set of criteria – it includes an emphasis on a child’s progress and ensures that more able children are now more closely monitored, as well as children of any ability.
“This is a truly positive Inspection with acknowledgement of exceptional practice.
“Our team are to be congratulated as we continue to work on our Development Plan within the new rigorous directives.”
Inspectors found the children show high levels of confidence and they feel happy and the school had an outstanding focus on care and nurture.
High priority is given to children’s personal and social development with clear expectations of sensible behaviour and a good reward system.
Inspectors praised staff for their excellent knowledge of the children in their care which enables them to promote their independence well from an early stage.
They also found that children are well prepared for their next stage in learning across all of the age groups.
The Inspectors have asked that the quality of provision in the reception class is raised by matching activities more closely to individual needs, particularly for the more able children.
They also advised the school to develop more formal monitoring procedures in order to ensure consistency of provision across the Early Years Foundation Stage.
