Wick playschool's happy atmosphere praised

The Playcentre, based at The Wickbourne Centre, Clun Road, has been marked as "good" by OFSTEd in all three categories: overall effectiveness, leadership and management, and quality and standards.

Jane Shanks, who manages the centre with Mel Ruffell, said she was delighted with the report, and made tribute to their team of 21 staff.

"It's hard to say which bit we were most happy with, because it is all great," she added, "but it was lovely that they had been picked up on the happy, calm atmosphere."

The report stated that there was a lot of laughter from staff and children as they played games together.

"Any incidents of unwanted behaviour are controlled well by staff, who speak to the children at an appropriate level, encouraging and rewarding good behaviour.

"The nursery supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and children who speak English as an additional language."

Steve West, business manager for Arun Community Church, which runs the facility, added that managers and team leaders had been good at assessing the needs of the nursery, and were continuously making improvements.

"I am pleased to see the quality of The Playcentre being recognised by OFSTED," he said.

The report went on to state that staff knew the children well, and provided suitable activities and play experiences to encourage their development.

"Children are learning and developing in an environment that is relaxed and well organised. The free flow arrangement between the different areas as well as the outside area allows children to build relationships with other children and staff in different groups."

It also said that the nursery benefited from the "rare opportunity of an on-site chef", and that all meals were prepared on site and freshly cooked each day.

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