Nursery wins high praise in report (From Penarth Times)

Nursery wins high praise in report

A PENARTH nursery has been praised in an Estyn inspection, though inspectors have highlighted problems with vandalism.

Bute Cottage Nursery, based off Grove Place, was inspected in November 2001, and achieved a brilliant report.

However, inspectors said: "The outside area provides very good facilities to promote children's physical development, but is often damaged by vandals."

The nursery has been described as providing a very good standard of educational support, welfare and personal guidance for children. Inspectors say work proceeds at a lively pace and is at all times enjoyable and often demanding.

Also highlighted is the nursery's resource management, the quality of leadership and its caring ethos.

While the school has no significant shortcomings in most categories including personal and social development and mathematical development, the inspectors have commented on some.

Regarding 'Knowledge and understanding of the world', they said: "Children do not choose to use the computers independently with sufficient frequency."

And in 'Creative development', the inspectors said: "Children have limited experiences to draw from observation."

Headteacher Ceri Hoffrock said: "We are very pleased with the report findings. The school is currently working to achieve the Basic Skills Agency Quality Mark, and the Investors in People Award.

"The staff are delighted to be playing a part in the National Strategy to raise standards of literacy and numeracy in Wales."

Alan Wells, director of the Basic Skills Agency, said: "Achieving the goal of the strategy will need sustained effort by everyone working in education. It is great to see this happening in Penarth and that schools here are leading the way."