10 Oct Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating gives Salvation Army’s local Preschool more reasons to smile
Children and staff at Leigh on Sea Salvation Army are celebrating after its preschool maintained its ‘outstanding’ rating by the childcare inspectorate Ofsted.
Smiley Preschool, based at The Salvation Army church and community centre on Glendale Gardens, was first rated outstanding by Ofsted back in 2011. Salvation Army church member Margaret Parkhill opened the preschool in January 1973. Now, more than 40 years later, the preschool is so popular that parents sign their children up to the waiting list when they are born.
Hilary Johnston, preschool manager, said: “We are thrilled to be recognised as an outstanding preschool once again. The achievement is testament to the brilliant work of our staff team. It shows that The Salvation Army is helping children to have the very best start in their early years development here in Leigh on Sea.”
In her report, Ofsted Inspector Claire Meyer, said:
“Children flourish in the exceptionally well-resourced environment. The stimulating indoors and outdoors areas are used to provide children with a wealth of inspirational and innovative learning experiences.”
“Children show increasingly high levels of confidence and self-esteem. All children are rapidly developing the skills and attitudes to support their future learning.”
