Nursery commended by Estyn inspectors

Tabernacle Kindergarten - 2009-12-02

A Pembrokeshire nursery has been commended by an Estyn inspector for its approach to delivering the new Foundation Phase of learning.

The Pembroke-based Tabernacle Kindergarten was judged on seven areas of learning, including mathematical development and language and literacy skills, and was found to have good features with no important shortcomings for all seven.

And according to Estyn inspector, Shirley Taylor, the quality of relationships with parents, carers and the community was good with outstanding features as was the quality of provision for children’s social and cultural development.

Sandra Sinclair, who has run the nursery since 1987, was delighted with the report’s conclusions. “We have got a really good team who all work extremely hard. The needs of the children are paramount and everyone works in the same way to achieve this,’’ she said.

The report found that the quality of teaching at the nursery was good and based on an increasing knowledge and understanding of the Framework for Children’s Learning for three to seven year olds in Wales.

“Nearly all the adults working at the setting are extremely experienced practitioners. They are well qualified and committed to keeping up to date with current developments by regular attendance at relevant courses,’’ according to the report.

And the style of teaching also encouraged children to learn through play, it added.

Parent Clare Wemyss, whose son, Dylan, has been attending the nursery for 18 months, says she is not surprised by the findings of the report.

“Dylan has developed tremendously since he started going to the Tabernacle Kindergarten. He thoroughly enjoys the time he spends there and I’m so pleased with his progress that his younger sister will be joining him there soon,’’ says Clare.