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Mar 2023

Last Updated: 10/03/2023

Education

Ofsted rates Harrogate pre-school 'outstanding' for first time

by Vicky Carr

| 13 Mar, 2023

"Passionate" staff and a "stimulating" environment combine to make Harrogate's Performatots an 'outstanding' pre-school, according to Ofsted.

The latest report by the government's inspectors praises the way the setting teaches children language and maths, as well as skills including food preparation and hygiene.

Performatots was inspected alongside Northern Performance Academy, a performing arts school that is part of the same business run by Kelly Nevett.

In a report published this week, Ofsted inspector Jo Clark said:

"Children show high levels of curiosity and a sense of wonder in their learning. For example, during a unique birthday walk children sing and celebrate the earth revolving around the sun for each year of a child's birth.

"They celebrate the life of the child, as children and staff offer words of thanks and best wishes. This helps children to feel safe and secure.

"Children develop their emotional literacy through speech and drama classes in their wonderful theatre. Specialist drama teachers support children to identify feelings using coloured scarves. Children use a red scarf to depict an angry emotion.

"They skilfully use their words to explain their feelings. A child places a calm coloured scarf around the child and says, 'I'll protect you.' Children learn to understand their emotions and develop a positive mental attitude."

The report said children "showed tremendous levels of independence" such as when taking food for lunch and choosing their seats.

It said this made them "superbly prepared" for the next steps in their education.

Ms Clark's report also said:

"Management and staff are inspirational in their vision for providing children with exceptional and unique learning experiences. They are dedicated in developing the skills and knowledge of all staff to ensure the best outcomes for children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

"Partnership with parents is exceptional. Staff provide parents with the skills and knowledge to continue and extend their child's learning and development at home."

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The report did not give any suggestions for improvement, rating all four areas of education 'outstanding'.

The new rating - a step up from the previous 'good' grading given in 2017 - has been welcomed by Performatots, based on Anchor Road.

Owner and principal Kelly Nevett said:

"We are all absolutely over the moon to receive this recognition for Northern Performance Academy and especially our early years department of exceptionally passionate, talented teachers.

"We are a school that champions the power of the arts in education, shining a spotlight on the incredible way they bring learning to life and help young people to be confident, creative, curious and capable. We are thrilled that our unique, pioneering approach to the early years curriculum, was judged to be outstanding.

"Our glowing report has made many of our parents cry - for all the right reasons! It's so reassuring for parents to know that their children are receiving the very best level of early education and care available to them. Who wouldn't want their child to have an outstanding start to their life?"

Ms Nevett said the grading was particularly welcome after Ofsted changed its criteria in 2021, making the top rating harder to achieve.

While the inspection only took place on one day in February, she said it reflected much more than what was seen during that small window.

"It's about the years and years prior to that moment of consistently analysing, evaluating and evolving in order to become the very best you can be. It's a journey and it doesn't just happen, so it's about the blood, sweat and tears, the set-backs, the knocks, the sleepless nights, the juggling, the failures and the low points.

"We are where we are through sheer hard work, determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite receiving no recommendations for improvement from Ofsted, we have fostered a fantastic company culture and a vision to always be improving. I know we will continue to reflect, enhance and develop the amazing opportunities available here."

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Ofsted rates Harrogate pre-school 'outstanding' for first time

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