PARENTS who send their children to an experimental kindergarten are refusing to accept a critical government report. The OFSTED report said children's ability in language, literacy and mathematics at the Cherry Trees Kindergarten was "poor." But the parents say they will resist any change to the curriculum and are writing to Education Secretary, David Blunkett, to argue that the government's approach to education for four year olds is short-sighted and will not enhance long term educational achievement.

The kindergarten uses teaching methods developed by Rudolf Steiner, which aims to allow children to develop at a natural pace instead of pressuring them too early.

But the report, while praising the children's ability in areas such as personal and social development, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical development and creative development, strongly criticises the school's performance on language and literacy and maths.

On language and literacy it reads: "There is an inadequate supply of books... the development of the children's reading and writing skills does not feature in the programme. There are no displays which include the printed word to encourage word recognition or promote interest in reading and writing."

On maths: "There is no overall scheme to ensure that the children make progress within all three broad areas of number, shape, space and position as well as comparison of measures. During the inspection there was little evidence of the funded four-year-old children experiencing mathematical activities." But parent Gina Dowding defended the nursery. She said: "We disagree with the National Curriculum as it is set out for four year olds. We are not going to change our approach to language and numeracy education which was deemed to be unacceptable by HM Chief Inspector."

And teacher Merel Gevs stood by her methods. She opined: "I am glad that the parents have agreed that we will not even attempt to conform to the government's so-called standards in these areas."

Parents who use the kindergarten are holding a public meeting on Tuesday, June 9. Call Kathryn Bancroft on (01524) 811745.

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