STAWLEY Preschool is celebrating after being rated ‘Outstanding’ in its latest Ofsted report.

The preschool for under fives at Appley Cross was inspected in May and received the highest rating in all four areas covered in the report –­ effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; and outcomes for children. The report said:

The management committee values the skills of the manager and staff highly and it supports their ongoing professional development extremely well.

Staff use their excellent knowledge of individual children to provide enjoyable, exciting and challenging experiences that inspire them to want to learn more.

Children’s behaviour is extremely good.

Most children consistently achieve at higher than expected levels for their age, particularly in their communication and independence skills.

Staff have excellent relationships with parents and other professionals.

Management shows drive and commitment to achieving high-quality outcomes for children.

All children acquire excellent skills that prepare them extremely well for the next stage in their learning, including going to school.

The report added that a further improvement could be made in developing resources that encourage children to explore the world around them.

Pre-school manager Amy Sommers said she was delighted with the report. She added: “The staff, parents and committee are so delighted that Ofsted has recognised our outstanding practices. We will keep maintaining our good teamwork making sure we do the best for our children.”

Members of the committee at the preschool are: Philippa Reader, Liz Ranson, Becky Mirams, Julia Heard, Russell Mirams.