'˜Exemplary' staff help pre-school gain outstanding Ofsted rating

Dauxwood Pre-School, in Billingshurst, was visited by inspector Benjamin Parsons in May and his findings were published on June 11.

In his report, Mr Parsons described the quality of teaching as “exemplary” and said staff acted as “excellent role models” for the children in their care.

Dauxwood manager, Amy Woods, said she was “absolutely thrilled” with the rating and added: “I am so proud of the staff who work hard and are dedicated. They take enormous pride in caring for the children and seeing them develop.

“The support and comments from the parents following our report has been overwhelming.”

While Ms Woods only joined the pre-school last year, the ‘outstanding’ rating was nothing new to some of her team. Dauxwood was founded in 1982 but had to re-register with Ofsted in 2015 when it became a charitable incorporated organisation.

It was rated ‘outstanding’ in all areas following its last inspection in 2010.

Regarding the children’s current development, Mr Parsons said they had excellent maths and communication skills and rapidly gained the confidence and skills needed for their step up to primary school.

And they certainly seemed to be enjoying the first steps on their educational journey.

He added: “Children are exceptionally happy and enthusiastic about attending the pre-school. They consistently receive praise and encouragement throughout their play and take great pride in their achievements.”

When it came to future improvements, Mr Parsons called on Dauxwood to continue building on the “excellent” opportunities children already had for outdoor learning – such as the expansion of the pre-school’s garden.

Beth Cossins, chair of the pre-school committee, said a fundraising drive would be launched shortly to help fund the work.

Describing Ms Woods and her team as always going the extra mile for the children, she added: “Our pre-school has been through a lot of change over the last year, so it is fantastic to have all this hard work acknowledged by Ofsted.”

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