Kentmere Academy and Nursery awarded EYFS Quality Mark for Early Childhood Education and Care

Danni Santana, EYFS lead with some of the children from Reception class

Kentmere Academy and Nursery has been awarded the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Quality Mark for Early Childhood Education and Care.

The early years foundation stage sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years old.

The EYFS Quality Mark showcases and supports a setting's commitment to continually improving standards of high quality education and care for young children.

It also takes account of recent studies in early childhood education and a global understanding of best practice for their youngest children. 

Assessors commented that the school's EYFS staff and senior leaders are "determined to ensure that the children entering the school through the EYFS have the best start to their education."

Assessors also praised the quality of the provision and stated that this was focused on "developing children’s curiosity, independence alongside their core skills in English and mathematics. The provision is focused on ensuring all children feel welcomed, nurtured alongside the EYFS expectations of providing a fully inclusive setting."

School leaders ensure a smooth transition into school and are "mindful of the fact that they are introducing families and children to their long-term educational experience, and they are determined to make this learning both relevant and enjoyable."

Parents praised the EYFS staff, setting and approach to learning, stating that they "recognise the focus of the school is on supporting their child and they feel fully involved within this process. They appreciate the various approaches, meetings and information shared  to enable them to fully understand the approaches used within the school."

They concluded: "There is an informed and active governing body that supports the school on their clear and embedded vision. This vision permeates across the setting and parents are very clear on the approach and focus of the school."

Danni Santana, EYFS lead at Kentmere Academy said: "We are honoured to be receiving this award. I am incredibly proud of all those involved in helping to make this possible including our fantastic pupils, staff, governors and parents."

Nicola Howard, the headteacher at Kentmere Academy, said: "I am delighted with the report but more importantly I am proud of all the staff in EYFS who work so hard to provide the very best education and care for our children.

"We have amazing children and supportive parents and carers. Working together we can give these young learners the very best opportunities to succeed."