Staff, trustees, volunteers, families and supporters of The Elizabeth Foundation recently celebrated the wonderful news that Ofsted rated the charity’s services for preschool deaf children ‘Outstanding’ in their latest inspection report.
“The provision is outstanding”
Following an Inspection visit in March 2022, Ofsted has once again rated The Elizabeth Foundation’s preschool services as ‘Outstanding’. This means that the charity has received the highest rating across all areas of Ofsted’s inspection framework for educational standards for the fourth time in a row.
Ofsted’s most recent inspection report highlighted: the high standards that permeate across all areas of our curriculum; the engagement and interaction with the children; the assessment and tracking of progress; the work with parents and families; the partnered working; the reflective practice; the progressive thinking; and the management and care for staff.
“Children thrive in this exciting, education environment. There are high expectations for every child and children make excellent progress in their learning and development. Children are incredibly well supported to progress to their next stage of education.”
Ofsted Inspection Report, 2022
An unbeatable track record
To receive a fourth consecutive outstanding Ofsted rating for its services for preschool children with all degrees of deafness is an amazing achievement for The Elizabeth Foundation.
The charity’s first Ofsted inspection took place in 2003, when it was rated ‘Very good’ which, at the time, was the highest rating that could be achieved. After the ratings changed to the current system, subsequent Ofsted inspections in 2006, 2009, 2016 and now 2022 have all found The Elizabeth Foundation’s services to be ‘Outstanding’.
“Staff expertly develop children’s listening and communication skills. They skilfully plan activities to introduce new language to children … Staff have high ambitions for children and they deliver an exceptionally well-planned curriculum.”
Ofsted Inspection Report, 2022
Reflecting an ethos of care and attention
This consistent track record highlights the high standards that the charity’s founders Shirley and Dave Metherell, MBEs, put in place all those years ago. It also reflects the ethos of the charity that supports the continuation of those high standards now, over 40 years later.
Julie Hughes, Chief Executive of The Elizabeth Foundation commented:
“This latest accolade from Ofsted is testament to all the hard work and efforts of our staff, trustees, volunteers, families, friends and supporters. It highlights how hard everyone has worked to put the right procedures in place to make the charity run as smoothly, effectively and efficiently as possible. We go to great lengths to provide the care and attention that children and families expect and deserve, and the Ofsted rating reflects that.”
Read Ofsted’s 2022 Inspection Report
You can view or download the Ofsted report at www.bit.ly/OfstedTEF
“Children’s behaviour is excellent. They know what is expected of them and they follow the rules and boundaries well … The highly effective focus on building children’s attention and listening skills will support children when they start school.”
Ofsted Inspection Report, 2022
