As a team, we are pro-active and constantly review, monitor and change as we progress as a team. As soon as the Birth to Three Matters framework was delivered, we began to look at ways to implement it. We work with it in our baby room, but also run it alongside the Foundation Stage in our mixed age group with children from two to five years. The two run extremely well together, and we find that when children are ready for the Foundation Stage it is a seamless transition from Birth to Three Matters.
As a manager, I found the no-notice inspection to be easier than the announced inspection, as there was no need to duplicate planning and send information to the inspector. If everything is in place, as it should be, then an inspection should not be anything to worry about. As a team, we all looked at the five outcomes, and each member of staff had their say before we completed the self review.
We were delighted to be judged as outstanding in three areas, and good in the other two. We have already 'tweaked' our planning since the inspection, and will continue to monitor it, and maintain the standard.
The final say must go to the important people - the children and their parents. Before the inspection we devised a questionnaire, as we encourage parents to speak to the inspector. Most said we were outstanding, and when we gave them the report, they were pleased but not surprised, unlike the staff who were ecstatic!
* Kathy Kilner, nursery manager, Goole College Play Station, East Yorkshire
