Nursery school still top of the class after 26 years
A nursery school in County Durham is celebrating a quarter of a century of ‘outstanding’ ratings by education watchdogs.
Wingate Community Nursery School has once again been given the rating by Ofsted – racking up 26 years of top marks.
This time the accolade is especially well earned at the watchdog recently raised the bar – with schools needing to be 'exceptional’ across the range of criteria to be grated as ‘outstanding.’
Head teacher Becky Wood, said she was “elated” with the outcome of the inspection and overjoyed that two HMI inspectors had truly understood Wingate's philosophy.
She said: "I feel very privileged to have had two inspectors who, in the space of one day, really 'got' us."
Influenced by visits to pre-schools in Italy, and Denmark, Wingate has developed their own way of working with young children and inspectors praised the school’s ‘rich, inspirational learning environments’ where children are encouraged to lead their own learning and collaborate together.
The nursery has an outdoor nature school, where children spend every day for four to five weeks ‘in residence’ at a newly opened 'cottage in the woods'.
The Park Keeper' s Cottage,owned by Win gate Parish Council, became available and following a complete renovation was made fit for purpose for two to four-year-olds, as a base from which to explore nature.
Children spend the whole day outdoors, exploring and investigating nature in the cottage grounds and beyond.
The experience at the cottage is proving successful, with many children reported to be 'in their element' developing physical strength and resilience, but also emotional strength.
Ms Wood said: "I couldn't be more proud of my school, staff, children, families and the community.
"Clearly, holding on tight to our beliefs and values around respecting and protecting children and their childhood has been acknowledged and valued."
The lead inspector congratulated the whole school as he announced the judgement – the first ‘outstanding’ for County Durham under the new inspection framework.
In his report, he wrote: "Leaders and governors at Wingate Community Nursery School have a very clear vision.”