Burgess Hill school '˜over the moon' after outstanding Ofsted rating

Staff and pupils at St Andrews Pre-School in Burgess Hill are '˜over the moon' after receiving an '˜outstanding' rating from education bosses.
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The school in Cants Lane had an Ofsted inspection on October 8.

The report, which has since been published, praised the school for its outstanding leadership and management, quality of teaching, and its outstanding outcomes for children.

Staff and pupils at St Andrews Pre-School in Burgess Hill celebrating the outstanding Ofsted ratingStaff and pupils at St Andrews Pre-School in Burgess Hill celebrating the outstanding Ofsted rating
Staff and pupils at St Andrews Pre-School in Burgess Hill celebrating the outstanding Ofsted rating
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Manager Sarah John said: “We are over the moon. Especially as are a busy pack away setting. We are a charity and run by a committee.

“We hire out St Andrews church hall and have to put all our equipment away each day, so it is always difficult to get an outstanding rating.

“And Ofsted has changed its criteria, so it is harder to get an outstanding rating now – it feels amazing.

“I am extremely proud of the fantastic team that I have at the setting.”

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The Ofsted report praised Sarah for her experience and dedication. It said she was ‘deeply committed to the ongoing development of the pre-school and continually improving outcomes for all children’.

It added: “She has developed meticulous systems for self-evaluation, staff supervision and team meetings to ensure the consistent improvement of the pre-school.”

The report said staff had developed excellent relationships with a wide range of professionals to meet children’s individual needs incredibly well.

It said children’s voices were listened to, staff valued their ideas and they were motivated to be inquisitive learners.

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It also said staff had created a very welcoming and relaxed environment where children felt incredibly safe and secure.

It added: “Staff attend regular training and have an excellent understanding of all aspects of safeguarding.

“They talk confidently of their responsibilities if they have a concern about a child’s safety or well-being.”

The report said all children at the school, including those who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities, have made excellent progress.

It said a local health visitor regularly attends to complete children’s developmental assessments with parents and the staff team.

The school was rated ‘good’ in its last Ofsted inspection.