In 2007 six months after opening Stepping Stones here at Northbourne we were inspected by OFSTED and judged to be 'GOOD 'in all areas. The inspector looked at the following areas and below is the outcome summary from each area. You may ask for a copy of the full report if you wish to see it or you can access it at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxcare_reports/display/(id)/204791

Helping children to be Healthy Good

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe Good

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do Good

Nursery Education. (Quality of teaching and learning) Good

Helping children make a positive contribution Good

Partnership with parents Good

Organization Good

In October 2008 we were inspected again under the schools inspectors as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision for Northbourne School, when we were judged 'OUTSTANDING' along with the school Foundation stage classes. You may ask for a copy of this report if you wish to see it or it can be accessed at www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/101994

The inspection report stated:-

Children are welcomed into the Pre-school, which has a very warm, caring and homely atmosphere. This is reflected in the comment made by a parent, that the Pre-school provides, '...a really friendly environment'.

They make excellent progress, and achieve very well because they are given sensitive encouragement in a very caring environment to achieve their best. This has a positive impact on their confidence, self-esteem and independence, which enable them to become active participants in their learning. By the time they are ready to go into Year 1, most achieve at least what is expected for their age, and many children achieve beyond this. They do particularly well in their knowledge and understanding of the world, and their physical and creative development. The highly creative curriculum that children are offered, combined with very good levels of interaction and support, mean they can practice their skills in being creative and develop their own ideas, for example when making models, from recycled materials.

The new national EYFS framework has been very carefully implemented to ensure that children can access a full range of activities, which help them to learn and develop. Children's welfare is given a high priority. For example, information to ensure health issues are addressed is clearly displayed for staff. The provision is very well led and managed and a very methodical approach has been taken to ensure EYFS covers all the expected elements. For example, the developing partnership with parents and carers has been improved, and continues to be a focus for the provision.