kennandkennford.co.uk
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PRE-SCHOOL KENNFORD PLAYBOX
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For detailed information please contact Michele Berry,
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KENNFORD PLAYBOX HAS NOW PERMANENTLY RELOCATED TO A BRAND NEW FACILITY IN KENNFORD, ADJACENT TO PARTRIDGE CYCLES Opening Times: Term Time . Monday to Friday 9.15am -11.45am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday Lunch Club 11.45am - 1pm Address: The Kenn Centre,Old Depot Yard, Kennford, EXETER EX6 7TN Contact Details: Tel: 07745 116486 email: mberry157@aol.com Age ranges: From 2.5 years to 5 years Wheelchair access PRE-SCHOOL RECEIVES TOP ACCOLADE The Kennford Playbox has just learned that it is one of the top pre-schools in England. A recent Ofsted inspection found that the pre-school is outstanding in every aspect of its provision – an accolade only awarded to 2% of this country’s children’s daycare providers. Reporting that the pre-school is of exceptionally high quality, the Ofsted inspector particularly praised the exemplary behaviour of the children and the range of activities offered to inspire and motivate the children in their learning. Kennford Playbox accepts children from 2.5 to 5 years and provides suitable activities across the age range, with plenty of sensory play for the under 3s including sand, water, dough and paint, whilst ensuring that numeracy and literacy is firmly embedded in the daily routine. Consequently, the inspector found that the Playbox children are confident, independent and eager to learn, commenting that "the children thrive in an environment that is calm and purposeful and where all differences are valued." The hard work and dedication of all the Playbox staff is fundamental to its success, as recognised by the Ofsted report which notes that the children "are cared for by a skilful and committed staff team and the quality of leadership and management is outstanding." Remarking on this exceptional quality of care, parent and Chair of the Kennford Playbox Committee, Marika Dowse says: "This fantastic result is testament to the wonderful staff we have at Playbox who continually put the needs of our children first. We are incredibly grateful to them all." Another parent, Sarah Shanks echoes this sentiment: "This Ofsted report is easily one of the most complimentary I have ever read. It is extremely rare to get a full set of 'outstandings' with no room for improvement. It must be very satisfying for the staff to get proper and public recognition for their commitment to Playbox." Owing to its success, from September 2008, Playbox will be providing more sessions; adding afternoon care to its existing morning and lunchtime provision. As well as being offered the very best in care, the children are also fortunate enough to have a purpose-built setting. Earlier this year, the Playbox moved from its old village hall setting into a brand new building. This has allowed the pre-school to go from strength to strength and has, for the first time, given the children access to secure outside play areas so that they can enjoy plenty of fresh air and physical exercise. As a rural pre-school, Kennford Playbox benefits from the support of its local community, something which was recognised by the Ofsted inspector: "There is an excellent partnership between staff, parents and the Committee. Children enjoy extremely consistent care, due to the pre-school’s excellent systems for involving and communicating with parents." Commenting on the significant support of the local community and how this has been crucial to securing the new premises for the Playbox, Howard Milton District Councillor and Kenn Centre Project Manager adds: - "The Parish and its investors are justifiably proud of all involved with achieving this momentous acknowledgement. This outstanding report reaffirms our confidence in the provision of these bespoke premises. We look forward with continued enthusiasm and confidence to the construction of the next phase of the community centre starting autumn 2008". Michele Berry, Manager of the Kennford Playbox, sums up what this result means for the pre-school: "We are immensely proud to have received this accolade. Not only does it mean that the hard work and commitment of all the staff is justly recognised, but it confirms our belief that the Kennford Playbox provides the very best it can for the children."
Our Aims We aim to
Charity StatusThe Kennford Playbox is
a registered educational charity. It is a member of a national body called the
Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA) which offers a support network for all the
running aspects of a pre-school to the staff, committee and parents should they
need independent advice. A small committee of
volunteer parents/carers runs the Playbox, meeting approximately 6-9 times
during the school year. They employ staff to run the sessions; fundraise;
arrange trips and develop day-to-day policies. The committee is
elected each year at the Annual General Meeting, which is usually held during
September each year – More help is always welcome as “Many Hands Make Light
Work!” Children We cater for 2 ½ -
5-year-old children. Three and four year olds have priority when places are
scarce. Kenn Valley Tots Group Every Thursday in term time, the Kennford Playbox also runs a toddler group - the Kenn Valley. The group welcomes all pre-school children and meets from 1pm - 3pm at The Kenn Centre, Old Depot Yard, Kennford. A member of staff from The Kennford Playbox attends to help with the session, including craft activities, singing, and refreshments. The charge per session is £2 per family. Full insurance is operative and a nominal fee of £1 is requested per family per half term as a contribution. The toddler group boasts a wide variety of toys purchased by a Lottery Grant. It is a friendly village group which aims to provide a happy, relaxed atmosphere for toddlers to play and a social gathering for carers whether you are a mum, dad, grandparent, or childminder. For more information contact Tammy Winsley on 832271 |
