A preschool in Southampton has received the highest-possible rating by Ofsted in their first inspection since moving to a new premises in September 2020 (a full copy of the Ofsted report is available here).
Paint Pots Preschool at Harefield (Yeovil Chase, Southampton) was described by the inspector as an outstanding nursery that is “exceptionally welcoming and nurturing” and where children have “extremely close emotional attachments to staff” and in turn “staff are passionate about what they do”. In addition, “the experienced manager leads by example in her aim to provide the very best early years education. Her passion is infectious and results in a shared vision from a team of staff, who work exceptionally well together.”
The inspector also described how an inclusive environment is created as “children learn about kindness and respect for each other through the staff’s excellent role modelling, with children recalling the ‘Paint Pots Promises’ as they talk about being kind to their friends …Children respect and embrace the similarities and differences between people and celebrate the uniqueness of their own heritage and culture. This successfully promotes inclusion and helps children to be extremely well prepared for life in modern Britain.”
The Right Reverend Debbie Sellin, Bishop of Southampton, and chair of the Launchpads board, which Paint Pots is part of, said:
“It is wonderful to see the work of the team at Paint Pots Harefield being recognised by Ofsted. They have created such a warm and nurturing environment for children, based our foundational Christian values of kindness and respect. Well done to all for their hard work and dedication!”
The Revd Canon Nick Ralph, Executive Director of Paint Pots, said:
“I am delighted that Paints Pots at Harefield has been given the Ofsted rating it deserves. This is the fourth ‘Outstanding’ report that Paint Pots have been awarded this year and it is testament to the team’s approach of creating spaces that are homely and caring, places where we can work out our values of Love, Laughter and Learning!”
Paint Pot Nurseries and Preschools have a broad Christian ethos similar to church schools and are open to children of all faiths and none.
Paint Pots Harefield preschool is part of the Paint Pots group which is made up of 13 settings, mainly in Southampton. Since February 2022, it has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Launchpad Social Enterprise run by the Anglican Diocese of Winchester. Our aim continues to be to run an excellent early years’ organisation that gives children the very best start in life in an atmosphere that is filled with love, laughter and learning.
