October 2015
I was hoping to be in today to pass feedback to your ofsted inspector on how well you all do with supporting **** and my family with the extra care and your continued vigilance,awareness and procedures with dealing with all her allergies. We are also very happy with **** progress in her learning journey and the fact that she is excited every day to attend nursery, as parents we could not ask for anymore we really appreciate all that you do. SC


March 2016
Thank you for ****'s leaving present, it was very kind of you.  
She has had such a fantastic time with you all at and thoroughly enjoyed coming to spend time with you all and her friends. Thank you for looking after her and giving her a caring, safe and enjoyable start to her learning.  She was always excited when I would say that it is Pre- School tomorrow,   and **** loved showing me the pictures and crafts she had made when I got home from work.  She would see seem really proud of what she had done and loved telling me about what she did and what things she had used.
I love the pictures that you have taken alongside each of the activities **** has done.  They really bring a smile to my face and we have loved looking at them, they definitely bring to life what she has been experiencing and learning that day.  I would highly recommend keeping the format like this.  
It's great that there are recorded examples of what **** has asked about or expressed what she thinks when doing her activities in the notes section, it's great to look back and see what kind of things she is thinking about or trying to explain or describe. Looking back on these moments years ahead will be very special.
Overall I think the Tapestry learning journey format works great, my favourite parts are seeing what she has done with the pictures you have taken.

Thanks again Shelley to you and all your team of lovely staff. We will miss you all. - GP

October 2016 - Parent questionnaire comments
I wouldn't have **** go to any other pre-school. Only the best for my children and all the girls at Barking Pre-school are truly the best! - DO

Since **** has been at Barking Pre-school he has become more confident and learnt so much. All the staff are absolutely brilliant with ****. Thank you so much for all the time and energy they all put in. Couldn't have asked for a better pre-school. - KF

It came highly recommended and **** loves it! We have already noticed a difference in him and it's all down to the great team at Barking Pre-school! MS

I am overwhelmed by the support and dedication of the whole team but particularly Lucy and Shelley in providing **** the best learning journey possible. **** has done so much since he's been at Barking and in such a short period of time. I can't praise you enough for everything you've done so far and am excited to watch **** grow from his time with you all. - AC

Feb 2018 - Following a serious emergency situation
Hi Shelley
Thanks for the update and I'm pleased the little girl is making a steady recovery, that's excellent news.
I arrived shortly after the police and ambulance crew and just before the helicopters. I live a couple of doors away and was working at home, my husband walked past pre school whilst walking our dogs and called me to ask why there were police and ambulances at pre school.  Obviously I panicked as I'd not long dropped **** at pre school and ran straight out of the house to pre school.
When I arrived the little girl was being worked on by the paramedics, police officers were everywhere talking to staff and reviewing paperwork. I was told to go behind the curtain where I found the children playing and the staff supervising.
All of the staff were visibly shaken and close to tears but they all continued to be professional and were calm and just got on with it.
One little boy was tearful and he was being comforted by a member of staff, but the other children were playing happily without a care in the world, seemingly oblivious to what was happening. The staff kept them occupied and quiet and as you've acknowledged the children were very well behaved.
I heard someone (I assume a paramedic) come behind the curtain to talk to all of the staff. He said that because of your quick actions and how brilliantly you all responded you had given the little girl the best possible chance of survival. He repeated this more than once; what a brilliant job you had all done to save the little girls life. I heard you ask to travel with the little girl. I saw you encourage and support your team through their most difficult day.
When I left with *** the little girl was on a stretcher in the hall ready for her flight, and as we came out from behind the curtain the police and ambulance crews all smiled and waved and almost cheered at ***. He had no idea something terrible had happened, he spent the rest of the day asking about the people who were at pre school that day and the big shiny helicopter and ambulance. I told him those people were really special, they keep everyone safe, they are heroes, like the people who look after you at pre school.
I know I've rambled on but I was there and other parents weren't. They should be reassured by how you all acted under the circumstances, your control of the situation, your leadership and the courage, calmness and professionalism of the whole team. Not to mention the amazing crew who found time to smile and wave and make a situation that much less frightening for the little ones.
I can't imagine the shock, the fear and sadness you have all been through and I'm sure are still dealing with. Thank you so much for how everything was handled - CM

May 2018 - Comments for Ofsted Inspector
My daughter started Barking Pre School in January 2018; she turned 2 in November 2017.  I was recommended Barking Pre School by my daughters childminder, who had heard very positive feedback about it and after reading the previous Ofsted report, I decided to go have a look around.  Firstly, I was met by Lucy who was so friendly, immediately putting me at ease and making me feel welcome.  I was so happy to see that, on a lovely day, all of the children were outside.  They weren't just playing but were doing all their usual activities outside.  With a little one who loves being outdoors, this seemed perfect.  At the first settling in session, my daughter enjoyed herself immensely, was immediately made to feel part of the group and didn't want to leave!  Since my daughter started Barking Pre School, I have recommended it to other parents. 
Not only do they do a variety of activities every day which help their cognitive, emotional and physical development but most importantly, they have great fun.  It is clear when I collect her and through the regular Tapestry updates (which are fabulous) that my daughter really enjoys pre school.  This is only possible because of the incredible staff; it is clear that they not only love their jobs but love the children they work with.  I am content that not only is my daughter happy and learning at pre school but that she is safe and loved - AB

Following our conversation with the Ofsted inspector this morning. Please find below our comments to formally pass on to Ofsted.
The staff at Barking Pre School are exceptional and so is the level of care they provide.
They saved our daughters life and demonstrated outstanding practice that day, going above and beyond their duties. We are beyond grateful for this and for the care they have shown to our daughter. They have welcomed her back into the setting, putting all provisions in place, assessed all the risks and supported us throughout.
Their communication is fantastic, they are approachable and compassionate and a highly dedicated team who make it a wonderful place for the children to grow and learn. We are very proud our daughter attends this pre school W&RB
​