pre school

An increase in entitlement to free childcare for pre school age children is likely to highlight a shortage of early years practitioners across the UK.

From September, the Government is doubling entitlement to free childcare for all three and four years olds, from 15 hours per week to 30 hours a week for working parents.

While the increase is welcomed, Devon County Council is concerned that there are too few early years practitioners working within the sector, and is encouraging people to consider careers in early years education.

In a recent report, the children's...

Exminster’s ‘Outstanding’ village Pre-school commemorated its 35th Anniversary by hosting a special celebration party for all pre-school children and their families.

Children enjoyed a good old fashioned tea party, games and entertainment, and Josie Walledge, Chair of Exminster Parish Council, officially marked the anniversary by unveiling a commemorative plaque.

The pre-school was started many years before officially registering as Exminster Pre-school in June 1981. Over the years this welcoming village pre-school has seen many changes and growth but remains as committed...

Staff and children at Exminster Pre-School have been celebrating an ‘Outstanding’ OFSTED report.

The report rated the Pre-School as Outstanding in both nursery education and care, praising in particular the very high standard of teaching, the experienced staff who have an excellent understanding of each child’s needs, and how staff work exceptionally well with parents.

The report also noted that the manager, staff and committee “have an excellent understanding of how to implement and monitor the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage”, that staff provide “highly...

An East Devon pre-school is celebrating winning the highest possible accolade from education inspectors.

Branscombe Pre-School is based at Branscombe Primary School.

Inspectors from Ofsted visited last month and have rated every aspect of its operation as outstanding.

Lead inspector Sharon Peel says the quality and standards of the early years’ provision at Branscombe are outstanding.

So are the effectiveness of its leadership and management, its contribution to the well-being of the children and the way it meets the needs of the range of children who attend...