A PRESCHOOL in Winklebury has been upgraded from 'requires improvement' to 'good' after making 'positive improvements that benefit children'.

Castle Hill Preschool, in Kenilworth Road, which operates in the grounds of the Fort Hill site, has been rated 'good' following an inspection on October 11.

The preschool was previously rated 'requires improvement' after a visit from inspectors on December 6, 2023.

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The report, published on November 7, noted that staff 'create a warm and nurturing environment for children' with a 'cheerful and relaxed atmosphere' that 'ensures that children feel comfortable and settle in quickly'.

Leaders at the preschool 'place a strong focus on developing physical development and understanding of the world' and 'a stronger focus on children's next steps in learning'.

Inspectors also noted that staff 'provide good support to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities', seeking support from other professionals to help pupils 'swiftly receive tailored support to help close gaps in their learning'.

"Leaders use additional funding well to benefit the specific needs of all individual children. For example, they recognise some children do not have access to a wide range of play and learning experiences outside of the setting.

"Therefore, they regularly plan outings to local shops, parks and woods, to help broaden children's curiosity and an understanding of the world," the report said. 

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Ofsted found that staff 'support children's developing communication and language skills well'. However, the report said staff were sometimes quick to answer questions they had asked children, which 'does not give children time to think for themselves'.

Safeguarding was noted to be effective at the preschool, with an 'open and positive culture... that puts children's interests first'.

The report states that to improve the nursery from 'good' to 'outstanding', the preschool must 'strengthen staff interactions with children to continually support and enhance their developing speech and vocabulary to an even higher level'.