A WEST Dorset pre-school has been praised by Ofsted following its latest inspection.

Whitchurch Pre-School, in Whitchurch Canonicorum, was inspected at the start of October. 

It was graded good in all four categories that are judged by Ofsted at pre-school inspections. 

The school was marked in effectiveness of the leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare and outcomes for children.

The report said: “Skilled, well-qualified staff provide a wealth of learning experiences that enthuse children. 

“Children learn to become independent active learners and gain the skills to prepare them well for school.”

Staff were praised for making regular assessments of children’s development and that they know them well and procedures that help children form emotional attachments.

Helen Roberts, administration manager, said the visit was ‘brilliant’ for the pre-school. 

She said: “The recent Ofsted visit was brilliant for our pre-school. There was lots to be happy about specifically ‘children learn to become independent, active learners and gain the skills to prepare them well for school’ and the positive praise given to our staff team for the quality of their teaching and engagement with the children.”

Helen wanted to thank the staff for their hard work in getting the rating.

She said: “We would, of course like to thank the whole staff team who worked so hard to achieve this fantastic result and the pre-school committee who support in the background.”

The pre-school was also praised for the development of its stimulating outdoor environment, including the principles of forest school which provides an abundance of opportunities for the children to explore, investigate and be physically active. 

The report did say that in order to become outstanding the pre-school should review the planning of some large group times to make sure that all children benefit from the learning intentions and also make the most of all opportunities to ensure that children are aware of the boundaries set and expectations of their behaviour within the pre-school. 

Staff were praised though for motivating learning, confidence and well-being and that staff have strong knowledge of safeguarding procedure. 

There was also praise for the arrangements to gather information from parents about their child and that settling-in routines help children create secure bonds with staff.