A popular pre-school in Peasedown St John has ‘wowed’ OFSTED inspectors with its strong leadership, inclusive approach to learning and focus on ensuring that each child flourishes to their fullest potential.
In April, the government’s Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (OFSTED) visited The Learning Day Tree Preschool in Church Road, Peasedown St John, and were hugely impressed with what they saw.
Released just last week, the OFSTED official report says:
“Children flourish at this thoroughly welcoming and inclusive pre-school. Staff consistently deliver a broad and ambitious curriculum with skill, dedication, and care. They create a calm, encouraging, and motivating environment where all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and barriers to learning, feel confident to be themselves and achieve well.”
The preschool was awarded ‘strong standard in every area’ which is an incredibly high, positive OFSTED grade that indicates excellent and consistent work making a real difference to learners. It is one step above the ‘expected standard’ and signifies that the preschool is exceeding baseline expectations in significant ways.
Jessica Baxter is the owner and director of the preschool, which is part of the wider Learning Day Tree network with other Early Years settings in Peasedown St John, Chilcompton and Winsley.
Jessica said: “We’re delighted with the news from OFSTED. Our staff go above and beyond at the pre-school to provide a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment for every child.
Since we opened the preschool in the Spring of 2024 at the site in Church Road, the setting has gone from strength to strength, with families travelling from afar to be a part of what we do.
The Learning Tree Preschool is located in the Church Hall adjacent to St John’s Church and is very much an integral part of village life.
Amy Purchase is the Preschool Manager. She said:
“The announcement from OFSTED is fantastic. We’re particularly pleased that the report highlights how well children settle with us and form strong bonds with their key person. They benefit from the caring and responsive approach that we seek to foster here at the preschool.
For us, children immersing themselves in meaningful play is essential to our approach and we’re delighted that this was identified in the report. I’m incredibly proud of our staff team who helped us achieve such remarkable results from OFSTED.”
One of the key findings from the report was how well The Learning Tree has built strong links with the wider community.
Revd Matthew Street is the Vicar of St John’s Church, who host the nursery in church grounds. He added:
“Congratulations to Amy, Jessica and all the staff at The Learning Tree Preschool for receiving such an accolade from OFSTED.
We always knew that the preschool was exceptional and an asset to our community, but to have this now formally recognised nationally is a credit to every single staff member who has worked so hard to achieve this.
When we made the decision over two years ago to welcome the preschool into the Church Hall, we did so knowing that it would result in nothing but a positive outcome.
We’re delighted to have The Learning Tree with us in Church Road, they’re very much a part of community life here in Peasedown St John.”
For more details about Peasedown’s Learning Tree pre-school visit www.thelearningtreedaynursery.com
