* Minety pre-school in Wiltshire was one of the winners of the Government's award for recognising excellent customer service in the public sector, as more than 100 educational establishments achieved Charter Mark status last month. The pre-school has developed a partnership with Minety primary school to help prepare children for the move to formal schooling and abolish first school-day nerves for parents and children.
* Minety pre-school in Wiltshire was one of the winners of the Government's award for recognising excellent customer service in the public sector, as more than 100 educational establishments achieved Charter Mark status last month.
The pre-school has developed a partnership with Minety primary school to help prepare children for the move to formal schooling and abolish first school-day nerves for parents and children.
Heather Pilcher, a member of the pre-school parental committee, said, 'Children begin by attending classes once a week in their first term, with a recognisable teacher. This is extended to three days a week in the second term, which includes interaction with older children, eventually leading to full-time attendance.'
Schools minister Jacqui Smith said, 'Schools which have gained this award... deliver a first-class, constantly improving service and are making the best of the resources available to them.'
