Harrietsham Pre-School
Harrietsham Pre-School is a registered Charity No. 1021287


Ofsted Registration No. EY340143

Chair’s Report for Pre-School year 2008 – 2009
I am mindful that this is my last report as Chair of the Pre-School and it will therefore reflect not just on the last year but will also act as a summary of my five years term of office.

In May 2009 we received an inspection from Ofsted which resulted in us being awarded “Outstanding” status. Very few settings ever receive this accreditation, and it is particularly rewarding for both staff and committee, in recognition of all their hard work and dedication on behalf of the Pre-School and our children. Since then we have received a complimentary letter from the Managing Director of Kent County Council’s Children, Families & Education Directorate, and have been invited by Ofsted to join a celebratory event and to use their special “Outstanding” logo.

Within the staff team, Paula and Susan have both joined us and Sara now undertakes Deputy duties one day a week. In terms of the service we office our children, we now run regular music sessions with Liz Holland and a French speaking play time, funded through the KCC Transformation Fund.

Internally, many of our policies and procedures have been reviewed and are available to all, from our website, which holds a host of useful information and news and which has now received over 900 visits from interested individuals. www.harrietsham-preschool.org

Financially we are now in a very sound position, with accounts ably monitored by our Finance Officer and Treasurer. With difficult financial times facing everyone over the next few years I feel that the Pre-School now has a good cushion to protect it from some of the pressures and cuts that may come our way.

Lastly, I am grateful to both the staff team and to my committee members for all their hard work, not just this year but over the last five. I am confident of leaving Pre-School in safe hands and wish everyone all the best for the future. 

Mike Bishop, October 2009