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Ofsted rating is challenged
NURSERY staff at a centre in Maidstone are challenging an Of- sted ruling that rated it as requir- ing improvement, despite an outstanding rating at the previ- ous inspection. Inspectors advised staff to chal-
lenge youngsters’ understanding more and to give them more time to think about their answers. The report concluded Alphabets Nursery at Penenden Heath “re- quires improvement”, despite its “outstanding” result in 2009. An inspector said children en-
joyed close bonds with staff, all of whom have early years’ qualifica- tions, but teaching was variable. The inspector’s report added:
“The majority of staff understands how to promote the learning and development of young children. However, some staff did not ex- tend children’s learning effectively or help them to solve problems. “For example, staff showed the
children zoo animals, and pro- vided their names and distinguish- ing features in quick succession. Children did not have time to re- spond, and staff did not check to see if children had understood what they were saying.” It added that staff did not always challenge children’s knowledge further, or consider the compre- hension of less able children dur- ing group activities. The report suggests improve-
ments could be made by staff using open-ended questions to further develop children’s language skills and by giving them more time to think about their answers. It also recommends the individual inter- ests of children are used more to tailor and support their learning. Alphabets operations director
Sally Ann Burgess was frustrated by the ruling. She said: “We are in- volved in an ongoing dispute with Ofsted, challenging this ruling.”
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Willmott Dixon project director AdamWorrall and Tiger School principal Emma Bryant with pupils at the topping out ceremony
Roof goes on to school
A TOPPING-OUT ceremony has been held at the Tiger Primary School, which is being built in Maidstone. The ceremony – marking the completion of the roof – was organised
by the Future Schools Trust and building contractor Willmott Dixon, who began work on the site in July. Representatives from the school, in- cluding pupils, joined in to pour wine, oil, corn and salt into the ground – a traditional toast to the success of the building. The two-storey primary school, within the New Line Learning Acad-
emy campus, will cost £3.8m and opens its doors in April to 420 pupils from across Maidstone. Emma Bryant, principal at the school, said: “We’re extremely pleased
with the progress so far for our brand new, state-of-the-art building.” Tiger Primary is the first school in Maidstone to be built under the
Government’s free school initiative and will offer additional classes and extended school hours.
Museum’swelcome wins award
MAIDSTONE Museum is one of the first attractions in the country to be awarded a “welcome acco- lade” by Visit England. The award recognises a high standard of customer service. The award is part of the Visit England VisitorAttraction Quality
Scheme. There is increased focus on the quality of the welcome and the difference it makes to the visi- tor experience. Museum staff also provide the Maidstone Visitor Information service, which won gold at last year’s Tourism South EastAwards.
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