- The parents of the children entrusted to our care are key stakeholders in Pre-school. They expect nothing less than the best for their children. They are able to see at first hand how their children develop on a daily basis. How well are we doing in meeting their expectations? Some of our Mums give their views in their own words below.
- They include parents who have tried other Pre-schools and found them lacking, and parents whose eldest child has attended Pre-school and now wish to provide the same opportunities for their subsequent children.
- See also the statement from Sherington CE School, with whom we maintain close liaison.
- Would you like more information? Please contact us or arrange to come to see for yourself.
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Anya Mitchell -10th February 2010
Feedback: “As a parent of two boys who have attended Sherington Pre-School I am very disappointed with the grading “Inadequate” as I strongly feel this is not a true reflection of the setting. Up until January 2010 my Son Mason has attended two early years providers to help accommodate my working hours. However as I had done previously with my eldest son we moved him solely to Sherington Pre-School because we feel the setting provides him with the preparation he needs to start school.
My eldest sons transition to school was so supportive he had no problems settling in and has continued to thrive and exceed our expectation in his learning and love of school, Sherington Pre-School laid down the foundations and prepared him well for his next stage of learning.
Mason’s confidence has grown since January. He genuinely loves going to pre-school and feels safe and secure. As a parent I am always aware of the subjects they are covering each week, through a newsletter at the beginning of term and the notice board in the lobby. Every day Mason comes home with something he has made to do with the current topic. He happily talks about what he has done in key worker group and enjoys the varied activities and outdoor play. I don’t live in Sherington Village and chose this setting because of the close links with the Sherington School and because the Pre-School is part of the community.
Mason has individual attention and I receive regular feedback on his progress. I am confident that Mason is in the best place to prepare him for school.
I hope the pre-school receives a further report which fairly represents the environment our children are thriving in!”
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Kerry Clark - 10th February 2010
Feedback: “I am very surprised to hear the recent Ofsted report. My son has only been attending Sherington Pre-School a short while and I have seen excellent growth in his development.
I am pleased to read regular updates on his activities via the key worker records.
On the days I have helped out I have witnessed my son interacting positively with both peers and staff. I also feel personally all the staff and children have made me feel welcome and I look forward to assisting on future dates. I plan to send my Daughter to Sherington Pre-School when she is 3 years old and I am confident the Pre-School meets all my requirements as a parent.”
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Dear Jo and Kay
In response to your request for feedback on Sherington Pre-School please find below a summary of the feedback I have been giving you through out the year.
Robbie is very happy at pre-school and loved going there.
I know that he is loved, excellently cared for and enjoys the warm and affectionate interactions with all five of you all the time. I know he is safe at all times. I think the level of stimulation offered matches the needs and abilities of most of the children.
I think that Robbie, like Eleanor, will treasure memories of his time at pre-school and that you have given him an excellent start to his education and independent life. I think your environment is wonderful and you have the best staff we could possibly hope for. Our children are very lucky to have you and their pre-school experiences are wonderful because of your huge contribution and commitment.
I have never been 100% happy leaving my children in any of the three other nurseries they have attended for various reasons but I have never been less than 100% happy every day I have left them at Sherington pre-school. You provide every thing that really matters.
Best Wishes
Miranda Koss
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Zoe King - 10th February 2010
Feedback: “I decided to send my son to this setting as my daughter previously attended and had a wonderful experience.
The staff were attentive and highlighted that she would benefit from speech therapy (which she did have and never looked back!)
The staff are still very caring, nurturing and extremely approachable. When I have had concerns about my son’s progress or behaviour I have never felt that I could not talk to the staff as the communication is excellent.
With the aid of the learning log this has been an excellent aid to understand my son’s progress.
Staff have acted promptly and professionally on any concerns that I had and this immediately put my mind at ease.
My son is progressing but he is encouraged to do this at his own speed without cause for frustration, he has made strong friendships with both staff and children. I would recommend this setting, as it is small, friendly, caring and a fun setting to provide a great start in a child’s life in learning new skills.”
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To all the Teachers at Sherington Pre-School 2nd July 2009
Just a quick note to you all, as the end of term approaches and the end of Amelia’s time here at Sherington Pre-School.
I know Amelia will miss so many of her friends but she will also be taking so many friends and memories onto “Big School” with her.
Just wanted to say a heart felt Thank you to you all.
I have seen Amelia turn from a timid toddler into a lovely little lady with so much courage and confidence.
I know that’s part of “growing up” but she has had such a solid foundation from pre-school and all the time, love and hard work and dedication each and everyone of you give to the children goes far beyond what is expected of a Pre-School.
You have such a lovely Pre-School and I hope it never changes.
I guess children come and go year in year out, but I don’t know whether you realise what warm, positive influence you have.
No matter how busy you are or how hectic it gets some days, you always have time for that special cuddle or that re-assurance that is needed sometimes.
Having read Amelia’s report just shows how far she has progressed in every aspect.
Amelia loves all her teachers at pre-school and always talks fondly of her time with you.
So Thank you, I could list so many good qualities in all of you, but I would be here forever…
It has been a pleasure to be involved in the Pre-School and being on the Pre-School Committee has giving me a little insight into your fantastic Pre-School and what brilliant work you do.
So time to say goodbye and Thank you all.
Better go, as I am sitting here with a tear in my eye, onwards and upwards.
I would like to wish you all the best for your new term in the autumn and beyond but in the meantime have a wonderful summer.
From Nicola and Amelia Hemming
Amelia Says…
“I will miss you all, Kay, Barbara, Linda, Jo and Kerry, I like playing games and stories, I will miss all your toys and I will really really miss you when I go to big school. I like snack time with my friends and I like to sit next to Rebecca oh and I like climbing on the climbing frame, cause im good at that”
I hope she does remember….
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Choosing a pre-school is a big step and we are delighted we chose Sherington. The pre-school provides a wonderful, nurturing environment in which children are encouraged to grow and develop in order to prepare them for school.
There is a lovely balance of creative play, song, imaginative play and exploring the outdoors and during our children’s time there we have seen them grow in confidence and knowledge. And there is always a lap to sit-on or a hug if need be.
The children enjoy the routine and are encouraged to take responsibility, preparing them well for the journey to school.
As a rota helper you also get to know the other children and see how well the teaching team work together. We feel that Sherington pre-school has given our boys, Mackenzie & Mason the best possible start, thank you.
Anya Mitchell
3 June 2009
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A Tribute to Sherington Pre-School
Three months ago I moved with my family to North Crawley. We were keen to exchange the planes, cars, pollution and general madness of life in London for the fresh air, tranquility and beauty of life in the countryside. When I read the Ofsted report and visited the village school I was sold but what, I asked myself was I going to do about pre school. I duly visited some of the local pre-schools and found the excellent Olney nursery from which I gratefully accepted a place and budgeted for the annual fee. I was used to paying over £300 per term on top of the government grant for my daughter's privately run morning nursery in Richmond. Then I was told that my daughter could only attend for three mornings per week, instead of the five she had become accustomed to and so I began my search again.
This time I found the Sherington Pre-School. I visited one morning at the end of the summer term and found a small group of children happily occupied in a very pleasant village hall. The outside play area was set within an attractive and tranquil children's play park. The hall was on a quiet road. The children were quiet and focused. The leadership was calm, intelligent and very professional. I was ready, once again to get out my cheque book when I was informed that this was entirely unnecessary. The pre-school is free to children who are eligible for the government grant. It operates entirely within the limited government fee scheme and any fund raising efforts which can be achieved by its committee.
Surprised, and more than impressed, I rashly offered to join the committee once we had moved here. It was then that I realized just what the pre-school is really being run on; the hard work, commitment and love given by the small community of preschool and first school teachers and parents who really care that their village children receive the best possible educational and social start in their lives. I was amazed by the motivation and the professionalism with which the committee work with the staff to support the running of the pre-school. I was also amazed by the amount of unpaid extra work which was being done by the teachers and mothers to ensure that the pre-school is striving for and achieving its best possible potential.
A couple of days ago Paula Noble, Jackie Rogers and I spent all morning wrapping up presents for a lucky dip fund raiser. When we had finished we calculated that we would raise £25 if all our prizes were bought for 50 pence each. It made me laugh that we had spent so much time in preparation to raise such little money but it also highlighted to me the fact that being on the committee is not just about supporting the pre-school. It's about making friends, having fun and feeling that being a full time Mum can be more than just being at home with the children.
A recent Ofsted report on North Crawley School suggests that a few parents may not know just how fortunate they and their children are. I am writing this because I do know how lucky I am, both to have the Sherington Pre-School and one of the small local village schools for my children. Having suffered from bad state education as a child, before moving here I looked at some expensive London providers. They weren't a patch on what is being offered here for free. Thank you to all those of you who over the years have made so much effort so that now my children and their friends will have such an excellent start to their lives.
Miranda Koss
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