‘Hard work’ of Glynn pre-school staff recognised in 25th anniversary year

The team at Hansel and Gretel Preschool.

Hansel and Gretel Preschool in Glynn opened its doors in 1995 after parents in the area identified the need for easily accessible pre-school provision.

The group, which is based in Glynn Village Hall, received their second ‘Outstanding’ inspection report from The Education and Training Inspectorate in January of this year.

The staff team and committee had celebration events including a visit to the Mayor’s Parlour planned to mark the special milestone and the prestigopus recognition, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the events have been postponed.

They remain optimistic that they will be able hold the events at some point in the future.

They are currently hosting a Facebook ‘Hansel and Gretel Preschool Virtual Open Day’, where prospective parents for children commencing their pre-school year in September 2021 can view the setting online.

Welcoming the findings of the recent inspection, Lorraine McKillop, who has been the pre-school leader since it opened in 1995, said: “We are delighted following the outcome of our recent inspection.

“It recognises all the hard work and commitment of everyone involved with the pre-school in improving outcomes for young children and families.”

Julie Cowan, Chair of the pre-school parent led committee, added: “We are thrilled with the positive comments in the report. It shows that the staff teams hard work and high expectations have resulted in exceptional outcomes for the children whilst maintaining a nurturing and highly supportive environment.

“On behalf of the committee I would like to thank the staff for their ongoing work and dedication.”

Isobel Parke, who has been a committee member since 1995, said: “It has been a privilege to be part of the pre-school parent led committee since it opened its doors back in 1995.

“We continue to have a committed and enthusiastic parent led committee supporting the staff team.”

The group is part of the Department of Education Pre-school initiative and can offer free places for children who are in their pre-school year alongside offering paying places for those who are in their pre pre year.

This involves a very stringent inspection process, the most recent of which took place in January 2020.

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