A pre-school run by Brighton Women’s Centre has kept its “outstanding” Ofsted rating after a recent inspection.
ToyBox pre-school was graded “outstanding” in all areas at its inspection last month and praised for its “robust” and “highly effective” safeguarding procedures and for its superbly varied and flexible curriculum.
Staff at ToyBox were commended for “expertly” extending the children’s language, including for those who have English as an additional language. The children are aged from three months to five years.
The Ofsted report said: “Children’s voices and wellbeing are at the heart of this pre-school. They are highly valued, respected and strongly supported by nurturing practitioners.
“The experienced staff skilfully include the children’s interests and individual learning needs when planning the curriculum. As a result, children are confident to share their own thoughts and ideas.
“Staff plan an abundance of educational learning opportunities for the children which they know they will enjoy. Consequently, children have impressive attitudes to their learning.”
The children’s outings to local Brighton museums, aquariums and beach spots were also mentioned in the report.
It said: “Children demonstrate that they know what to do in preparation for the outings to keep themselves safe.
“They join in early mathematical activities, such as counting each other. Children remind the inspector to take her water bottle to help stay refreshed.”
The report rated ToyBox pre-school, run by Gemma Turner, as outstanding in the quality of education, behaviour and attitude, personal development, leadership and management and overall effectiveness.
Brighton Women’s Centre director Lisa Dando said: “I am absolutely delighted with the outcome of our latest inspection and congratulate Gemma and her team for their outstanding achievements.
“I’d like to thank them for their dedication and commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for children at ToyBox in its unique setting as part of the wider support network provided for women and children at BWC.”
ToyBox is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 2pm, during term time only, and also offers a crèche.
It was also rated “outstanding” at its last inspection in 2017.
To read the full Ofsted report, click here.
