'Good' news for Watoto

Watoto Preschool are celebrating a ‘good’ Ofsted report with areas of ‘outstanding’ exceptional quality.

Ofsted praised the children’s progress towards the early learning goals (standards set by OFSTED) recognising that “staff plan and focus activities around children’s preferences as well as the six areas of learning, offering children many opportunities to be active learners”.

Ofsted goes on to commend the excellent exchange of information between staff, parents and professionals and Watoto having detailed knowledge of each child’s individual needs and family background. “There are well forged links with local schools with staff informing them of relevant information as they accompany children into school to ease the transition”

Dreams and Aspirations

The manager Sharon Brown said “Since we opened in 1996 partnerships have underpinned everything we do at Watoto. I passionately believe in working together with parents. For me this is fundamental if we are to positively nurture our children’s strengths, dreams and aspirations.”

“Our last Ofsted report in 2004 was also Good” says Terry Garvey, Watoto Preschool’s chairperson.

“The additional outstanding areas in this latest report is tremendous and demonstrates the staff and management teams commitment to continuous improvements of the services we provide.”

“Brilliant service” says parent Erica Patterson, “I feel standards are high, the staff are warm. Friendly approachable staff are invaluable”

Norma Euter's daughters both attend the preschool and she is really happy with the help Watoto provides her youngest who has Down's Syndrome. “The staff respond to Josephine’s development needs to complement what I do at home” said Norma.

The deputy Lillian Linton stated she had been working at the preschool since 1996 “I love working here it’s fantastic that our work with the children has been recognised by Ofsted so highly."

Purpose built

Watoto recently moved into a new purpose built location with the support of Sheffield City Council in May 2008. Another parent Alison Thompson said: “This has been a great success the other building was really nice but the new premises are excellent a lot more space for the children especially the outside”.

Watoto Preschool has 57 places catering for children 6 months to five and is open from 8am to 6pm all year round with the exception of bank holidays. The preschool has a qualified staff team who are exceptional in their bi-lingual skills and fluent in a wide range of languages. Call 0114 2751817 for further information.