Early years provision praised

By Kelly Eve

Last updated 05:41, Friday, 03 October 2008

OFSTED inspectors have praised provision for the youngest children at two independent schools in north Cumbria.

Early years provision at both Austin Nursery, at Austin Friars St Monica’s School in Carlisle, and in the reception class at Lime House School near Dalston is deemed to be good.

At Austin Nursery, the quality of teaching and learning was rated as good and inspectors found that “most children make very good progress”.

Some have already exceeded early learning goals .

The relationship Austin Nursery has with its parents and carers was ranked as outstanding and staff “extremely dedicated”.

Elsewhere, following a visit to Lime House, inspector Carys Millican reported that children progress well because of good relationships between youngsters, teachers and parents.

Children also benefit from the small numbers. Leadership was also rated as good.

The inspector wrote: “Children progress well and they are extremely happy and content.”

Lime House headteacher Nigel Rice said: “What is pleasing is that it is only our teacher Gill Hebson’s second year of teaching.”