Pre-school chalks up a good rating

The Northumberland County Council-run pre-school is situated on Howling Lane and provides funded and fee-paying early education for children aged two to four years of age.

The pre-school received the good rating across all four Ofsted categories: Effective leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; and outcomes for children.

Vanessa Easton, early help locality manager (north), said: “Our whole ethos is about putting the children first. We strive to provide the best possible environment for the children to grow, develop and learn in and I am so pleased this was picked up by the inspectors.

“I am extremely proud of this really sound inspection report and would like to thank everyone at the centre for their hard work and dedication.”

The report highlighted how all children make good progress in their learning and development and display a positive attitude to learning.

It also spoke highly of the strong partnerships between centre staff and parents and the warm and caring environment which makes the children feel safe and secure, positively supporting their personal and emotional development.

The pre-school runs within the Alnwick Children’s Centre, situated between St Michael’s First School and Barndale House School.

Coun Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I am really proud of this recognition for the centre. Thanks must go to the dedicated and professional team at Alnwick.”