A Brighton kindergarten has been rated outstanding by the official education watchdog Ofsted.
Bee in the Woods Kindergarten, in the Wellbeing Gardens, in Stanmer Park, was given the top grade in the report which was published last week.
The report, which follows an inspection last month, said: “The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in this exceptional woodland setting. As they arrive, children are warmly greeted by the staff.
“They quickly become captivated by a large variety of rich experiences that have been provided for them.
“Staff’s knowledge of children’s development is exceptional. They consider children’s unique characteristics and personalities when planning a bespoke curriculum. Staff are highly nurturing and sensitive to all children’s needs.
“Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure as they show signs of confidence and resilience. Children’s attitudes to learning are consistently positive.
“The leadership and staff team are passionate in their roles. They are committed to early education and create an ambitious and sequential curriculum that is embedded across all areas of learning.
“They support children to ask questions and be curious in their play. Staff have high expectations … and show confidence in what they want children to be learning next and the reasons why.
“(Staff) are experts at supporting children to use their own problem-solving skills and lead their own learning.
“Children are consistently supported to develop a varied and rich vocabulary. Staff introduce new words to describe mathematical concepts. Children learn about weight and volume as they measure materials on a weighing scale.
“Staff are experts at posing questions and supporting children’s autonomy. They give children plenty of time to offer their thoughts and do not interfere in children’s play.
“Story times are purposeful and magical. Staff bring books to life through interaction, movement, puppets and melody.
“Staff ensure that all children have access to an exemplary environment, which supports children’s physical skills. Children engage in acceptable risks as they climb trees, negotiate obstacles and swing in hammocks.
“They develop their small hand muscles as they are taught to use tools to create sculptures which they can take home.
“Staff and children engage in discussions about healthy eating and what foods give ‘energy’. Children are exceptionally well behaved and have a mature understanding of the rules and boundaries.”
Ofsted said that there were 39 three to four-year-olds on the roll when inspector Tina Lambert visited last month.
The kindergarten started two years ago and is run by Lucy Collins, with a team of six staff. It is open from 8.30am to 4pm during term time only.
To read the full report, click here.
