*** A Special Visit ***

We were delighted to welcome Madam Mayor her worshipful, the Mayor of Charnwood, Brenda Seaton, to Watermead Nursery. We also had a special visit on the same day from one of the co-founders of The Curiosity Approach, Stephanie Bennett. Our two guests were thrilled to hear about the result of our most recent Ofsted inspection whereby we retained our Outstanding status, so they presented us with a plaque and this proudly sits alongside our other accreditation plaques.

Mayor Brenda Seaton enjoyed a tour of the nursery with Gill Heyhoe our Nursery Consultant. She visited each room individually and she was eager to speak with both the children and our Educators. The Mayor commented on how impressed she was with the nursery as a setting, the provisions and facilities available to the children, how professional the staff were and how confident the children were in approaching her and telling her about the activities they were doing.

Stephanie Bennett is the co-founder of The Curiosity Approach and we are currently working very hard to gain this accreditation. https://www.thecuriosityapproach.com/ The Curiosity Approach is a modern day approach to Early Childhood. Taking parts from Reggio, Steiner, Te Whāriki with a sprinkle of Montessori. It's a beautiful recipe book of wonderful ingredients, carefully mixed together with experience, passion and a love of Early Childhood. It's baked together in a mindful oven of loveliness that needs thoughtful practitioners and professionals to be mentally present, thankful and forever curious about their career with little children. Be Curious, Have Fun, Make a Difference!

Stephanie was accompanied by Nursery Manager Kyla Fory and our pedagogical Curiosity lead Bek Poulter. They visited each room in turn, Stephanie spent time appreciating our rooms, participating in activities with our Watermead children and providing valuable advice and support to further support our vision in developing awe and wonder.

Stephanie commented: I was utterly delighted and honoured to visit Watermead Nursery on the 20th December, helping them to celebrate their much deserved 'Outstanding' Ofsted inspection grade. Walking around this exquisite setting it was evident that the team are dedicated to the children they look after and serve and deserve the prestigious and sort after grade from Ofsted! The nursery is calm, tranquil, and offers extensive opportunities for curious, independent learners. Everywhere I turned, there was a new exciting space to explore, play and discover.

I loved as a group of children happily greeted me in their purposeful and well-equipped atelier room. A space where they become creative through, painting and expressive arts.

Watermead Nursery continues to strive for excellence and the team's professional development. They have also embarked on The Curiosity Approach accreditation, this 12 month program looks to transform form plastic toys to authentic materials, loose parts and recycled resources. A pedagogy inspired by Reggio Emilia, Steiner and Montessorri. The team are looking to ensure childhoods and play is valued and respected and that children are the inspired to become the thinkers and doers of the future. Watermead Nursery and team, what a beautiful place for 'developing little minds.' I truly loved my visit and thank you for the invite. See you later in 2020 when you achieve your Curiosity Approach accreditation.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” .

Both the Mayor and Stephanie were extremely pleased with what they saw and experienced at our Watermead Nursery, we thank you very much for visiting and we look forward to seeing you both again very soon.