TWO sisters are delighted to have turned round the fortunes of Little Gems Pre-School.

Following an inspection by Ofsted, in April, it has been rated as being good.

There are four grades available to the body when it carries out inspections with these being outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate.

Last May, Ofsted ranked the centre, based at Upper Stratton Baptist Church, as requiring improvement.

Little Gems Pre-School cares for children aged between two and five. It is overseen by sisters Sammie Forrest, who owns the company, and Georgie Pike, who is the manager.

Georgie said: “We are really pleased and we are incredibly proud to have been recognised.

"There’s some really positive things mentioned in the report and we are very pleased as this is what we do on a daily basis.

“It was quite nerve-wracking but we are pleased by the outcome and we’ve sent out a letter to parents giving them snippets from the report.”

The centre’s staff were praised in the report by Ofsted inspector Angela Cole.

“The skilled staff team clearly understands the ways in which children learn and develop.

"They plan a varied programme of experiences that reflect young children’s individual needs and interests, including those with special educational needs as well as disabilities,” she said.

“Young children develop strong bonds with staff. New children receive personal support to settle rapidly.

"They gain good self-motivation and confidence to explore at their own pace.

"Staff are effective role models. They play alongside children, enabling them to understand about sharing and to include other children spontaneously in their play.”

The pre-school’s improved status entitles them to be eligible for Government funding available to two-year-olds in childcare.

The report went on: “The provider addressed all issues from the previous inspection promptly, which has improved provision considerably.

“Staff work as a cohesive team.

"They use supervision, regular meetings and in-depth reflection and evaluation to identify and address areas for development.

"For example, staff recently extended displays of children’s work to increase their confidence and self-esteem.”

Ofsted has encouraged Little Gems to improve its interaction with parents in a bid to move towards getting an outstanding rankinge. To see thereport visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted.

For more information about the pre-school visit www.littlegemspreschool.org.uk or call 07909 961218.