“A seamless educational journey” for Burbage children as Burbage Preschool joins Excalibur Academies Trust

There is cause for a double celebration at Burbage Preschool. Judged good in all areas by Ofsted in May, the Preschool joined the Excalibur Academies Trust at the beginning of June.

Dr. Patrick Hazlewood, CEO of Excalibur Academies Trust said, “This is a truly significant and really exciting moment for the Trust as we fully realise our vision of creating a seamless educational journey for the Excalibur child, transitioning from preschool right through to sixth form.  The benefits of a family of schools working together not only improves outcomes for students it also creates a supportive team environment and career development path for staff.” 

Beck Barber-Stubbs, Principal of Burbage Primary School, said, “Children at preschool are following the same Early Years syllabus as those in Reception so having a close relationship is really important, however, we haven’t forgotten that it is also important to make sure that the excitement of going to ‘big school’ is not lost”. 

Amanda Brindley, Preschool Manager, said, “Being part of a larger organisation will allow the Preschool team to focus on the needs of the children ensuring that they reach their early learning goals in a stimulating, nurturing and safe environment.” 

Management and staff at Burbage Preschool will remain the same.  Currently operating from 9am to 3pm three days a week, it is planned to soon increase to fivedays allowing qualifying families to take full advantage of government funded childcare. 

The Ofsted inspector commented that, “Children arrive happy and settle quickly into the warm and welcoming preschool.  Staff have a good understanding of how young children learn and plan a range of stimulating activities based in children’s current interests.”

Excalibur Academies Trust, set up in 2012 has three secondary schools and six primary schools as members.  Burbage Primary School joined in 2013.

“Excalibur Academies Trust was formed in order to create an exceptional collection of forward-thinking schools with the young person at the heart of everything we do.  We encourage all schools to retain their independence which has taken years – even decades – to nurture and develop, whilst benefiting from the collaboration and expertise which effortlessly flows between the schools in our Trust.”  Dr. Patrick Hazlewood CEO of Excalibur Academies Trust.