Mepal and Witcham Pre-School is rated ‘good’ by inspectors

Ofsted singled out staff and managers at Mepal and Witcham Pre-School following their latest inspection visit.

Inspector Jayne Hogan-Birse said that the pre-school was providing a safe environment for children while staff were effective role models and promoted good behaviour.

She said in her report: “Staff implement an effective behaviour policy where children are encouraged in a positive way.

“Staff continually praise children when appropriate, and promote positive behaviour.

They are good role models and give clear and consistent guidance on what is acceptable behaviour.”

The inspector was also impressed with the standard of teaching at the pre-school. She said: “The effectiveness of staff is monitored closely to ensure that the standard of teaching remains high.

“For example, they benefit from regular supervision, meetings and appraisals and have opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills through further training and professional development.”

The pre-school opened in 1996 and shares facilities with Mepal and Witcham Primary School. It has 21 children on its books.

Ms Hogan-Birse also praised the relationship of staff with children, noting: “Staff are skilled at speaking to children. They ask them lots of questions that require children to think, reason and suggest. As a result, children develop skills in creative thinking and problem solving.”

In order to make the leap from good to outstanding, however, Ms Hogan-Birse said the pre-school needed to “enhance opportunities for children to develop their independence and drive their own learning”.

She said enabling children to read books themselves, or prepare their own snacks, was a way they could achieve this.