OFSTED inspectors particularly praised how a pre-school encouraged children to develop friendships when they carried out an inspection last month.

The education watchdog released a report of their visit to Barn Owl Pre-School in The Brow, Haydon Wick earlier this week and rated the provision as good, heaping particular praise on youngsters’ personal and social skills.

Staff at the pre-school which operates from 9am to 3.10pm each weekday during term time out of Haydon Wick Primary School, were pleased with the findings in the report, which said that Barn Owl had retained it’s ‘good’ standard despite the tougher frameworks which have developed since they were last inspected in 2011.

Rachel Hayward, manager of Barn Owl, said: “We’re really pleased with the results of the report, it’s always good when your hard work is acknowledged.

“It’s a huge testament to the work of all my team and their efforts on the day too, and it’s good to know that we have maintained a quality standard.

“We were particularly pleased that the inspector noticed and commented on the children’s manners and their behaviour, because as well as their learning that is something we really try to focus on.

“We have always had really great support from our parents and families and I think that does make a huge difference.”

Inspectors were particularly pleased with the nurturing environment the children enjoyed at the pre-school.

The report said: “Children settle well because staff greet them with a warm welcome. Children happily enter the playroom, wave to their parents and quickly settle to play with their friends. The pre-school has a good range of resources to support children’s learning. Children develop good personal skills.

“Staff organise a variety of useful experiences for children, so they make good progress in their learning.

"Staff promote children’s personal skills very well. As a result, children behave very well, learn good manners and are keen to participate. This prepares them well for their future learning.

“Partnerships with parents are positive.

"Staff work with parents and other professionals to support children’s needs.

“Leadership and management of the pre-school are strong and staff receive good support for their professional development.

“Staff effectively use their good knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop.”

There were only two reasons why inspectors could not yet award the provision an outstanding grading, and already steps are being taken to address these improvements, with all staff being involved with coming up with ideas to implement these.

The report said: “Staff do not plan sufficiently to ensure all children remain focussed at group times. This does not maximise opportunities for children to develop their concentration. However, the good all-round teaching gives children secure foundations for their future learning.

“Staff do not make the most of opportunities to promote children’s creativity.”

To read the findings of the report for yourself, visit http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/CARE/EY413337.