Little Crackers Celebrates A Very Positive Inspection Report

The very positive report, which has just been published, follows a new framework which examines standards relating to five key areas: 

• leadership and management and governance
• the quality of education, training and recreation 
• pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional well being 
• pupils’ social and economic education and contribution to society
• safeguarding 

As well as confirming that the school and nursery fully meet the standards, the inspection report notes that in the early years ‘children learn in an engaging and positive environment’ and that ‘staff in the early years understand each child’s specific needs’. The report also states that ‘pupils are well-prepared for transition’ and that ‘the early years provision is effectively managed’.

During their rigorous inspection, the four-strong team of inspectors spoke with pupils, teachers, senior staff and trustees. Inspectors observed extra-curricular activities, attended assemblies, inspected the premises and examined documentation and records provided by the school. In addition, they reviewed all the responses by parents, pupils and staff to pre-inspection questionnaires. 

Other early years strengths recognised by the report include: 

• Leaders give clear direction to staff through guidance and well-structured planning.
• Teachers in the early years design activities based on children’s interests and developmental needs.
• Well-planned activities develop children’s gross- and fine-motor skills. This supports other areas of children’s learning, such as handwriting.
• Children are encouraged to speak clearly and confidently. This is supported by skilled adult interactions and engaging activities such as role play.
• Specialist staff ensure that children develop core physical skills, such as balance and co-ordination, through structured lessons and purposeful play.
• The use of specialist teachers across the early years means the children see familiar faces when they move through from Nursery to Reception.
• Children enjoy their learning experiences and are well-prepared for their next steps.

Nursery Manager, Rosemary Flint, said, “Every member of our team is committed to delivering the highest quality of early years care and education, to ensure we give every child the very best start in life. This inspection report highlights the standard of our provision here at Little Crackers Nursery and the wide range of opportunities our Little Crackers enjoy.”

Headmaster, Rob Duigan, comments: “The report is a really positive endorsement of everything we do here at Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery and reflects a huge team effort. It shows that we are delivering on our commitment to providing our pupils with an outstanding all-round education, instilling in our children life-long learning skills, while fostering the qualities of kindness and responsibility and helping them grow into articulate young people ready to contribute to the wider world.”