Flying Start childcare provision at Afon y Felin Primary School receives four ‘excellents’ in recent inspection

One of five Flying Start settings available to parents in the Kenfig Hill and Pyle area, the childcare provision at Afon y Felin Primary School has recently achieved four excellent ratings in their Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) inspection.

The setting is part of the phased roll out of Flying Start childcare provision across the county borough, with all of Cefn Cribwr, Cornelly, Kenfig Hill and Pyle benefitting from the Welsh Government-supported scheme since the beginning of the year.

The Flying Start childcare expansion programme offers all two-year-olds living in these areas 12.5 hours of funded childcare per week for 39 weeks of the year, with the choice of Welsh or English-medium childcare provision.

The childcare facility available at Afon y Felin Primary School is provided in partnership with the commissioned provider, Action for Children.  In light of their recent inspection success, the lead at the setting, Jenna Gow, said: “We are all delighted with our inspection result, I am lucky to work with a fantastic team of experienced and knowledgeable practitioners who value children’s play and always put the child at the heart of everything they do.

“Although we were nervous about the inspection, we were very confident in our practice. Having such an embedded ethos and knowing the ‘why’ behind everything that we do definitely helps to ensure that we create an environment that supports children’s development and wellbeing.”

Parents who have children attending the provision at Afon y Felin Primary School praise the staff there.

One parent said: “On the day myself and my daughter came to visit the setting we were met by a welcoming manager and team. The staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The environment was intriguing and inviting – it was set up in ways to ignite curiosity and open-ended play. The children were happily playing at various stations and the atmosphere was calm.

“When it was time to leave my child wanted to stay, and instead of us being sent away, my daughter was allowed to stay for the session whilst I filled out the necessary forms. My daughter absolutely loves attending the setting and constantly talks about ‘her school’ at home. I can’t speak of the facility and the staff highly enough.”

Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Wellbeing, said: “How fantastic it is that our community has free access to such quality childcare provision.  This support, offered to children at such a young age, promises to have a positive impact on their development.

“The staff at the Afon y Felin Primary School provision should be extremely proud of the accolade they have received during the recent CIW inspection.  It’s wonderful that their dedication, hard work, and inspirational guidance has been recognised.  Well done all!”

Parents can check their eligibility for the Flying Start programme online using the new postcode checker.