Thursday, September 21, 2023
Baby & Toddler unit rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted
The third time our Baby & Toddler unit has gained an 'Outstanding' grade from Ofsted.
For anyone who has ever learned to ride a bike, they would know that it's not just about pedalling and steering. It's about balance, coordination, and most importantly, confidence. This confidence doesn't come instantly. It's a product of determination and gradually growing faith in one's abilities. This is what we aimed to cultivate in our preschoolers through our exciting collaboration with Cycle Derby.
Every Monday throughout June, we were fortunate to have Cycle Derby visit us for some training sessions. Cycle Derby is an organisation dedicated to promoting cycling in Derby and its surrounding areas. Their mission is to inspire a new generation of cyclists and to encourage a culture of cycling that can lead to a healthier, more active community no matter what their skill level. We were thrilled with the opportunity to introduce our little ones to the wonderful world of cycling, and the progress they made was remarkable!
Our preschoolers, with varying skill sets and experiences of riding bikes, were very intrigued. The sight of the shiny, colourful bikes and the prospect of learning something new brought about a sense of excitement and curiosity among them. They carefully listened to the instructions and began using balance bikes. Balance bikes are a great way for children to get introduced to cycling. Without the complexity of pedals, they focus on learning balance and coordination, which are the key skills needed for riding a bike.
Through lots of determination and growing confidence, many of our preschoolers made it onto pedal bikes. It was a delight to see their progress over the weeks. Their initial hesitation gradually turned into confidence, and their wobbly starts transformed into smooth glides. Some even became competent riders by the end of the four weeks. The smiles on their faces and their proud announcements of "Look, I can ride!" were the highlights of our days.
We couldn't be prouder of all the children involved and the progress they made. Their eagerness to learn, their resilience in the face of challenges, and their joy in their achievements were a testament to their spirit. A huge thank you goes to Cycle Derby. Their professionalism, patience, and encouragement played a crucial role in making this initiative a success. We look forward to welcoming them back next year and continuing this journey of growth and development.
