ALDBOURNE Pre-school is top of the class after Ofsted inspectors rated it as outstanding in their latest report.

The education watchdog visited the "exceptional" provision for tots and toddlers, which is based at St Michael’s C of E School, in Back Lane, in April and awarded them the top rating across all four areas.

Inspectors particularly praised focussed assessments, children’s motivation and their confidence and independence.

Julie Kent, who owns and manages the preschool in partnership with Annette Jerram, said the report was a testament to the hard work of the staff.

She said: “We were very pleased because we didn’t think we would be outstanding, since they have changed the goalposts in recent years and tightened up things.

“We thought we would be a good but we weren’t sure we were good enough to be outstanding. It was certainly the toughest inspection we have ever had.

“I think it’s the work the staff do to nurture the children and make sure they feel safe and happy that as key to getting an outstanding. We have 40 odd children on the roll, 24 in each session, so we are quite small and we get to know all the children and their parents pretty well.

“If children are able to feel comfortable and happy they are more capable of learning, so that is I think one of the most important things and something we tend to try and focus on.”

In the report, inspectors said comprehensive training, self-evaluation and relationships with parents were key strengths at the preschool.

“The staff provide exceptional care for children to meet their physical needs to a high standard,” said the report.

“New children settle in with ease because staff support them extremely well which raises their confidence quickly. They allow children time to explore the environment at their own pace. Children are familiar with all staff and readily seek them out for comfort when needed.

“Strong leadership and direction from managers underpins a shared commitment towards delivering exceptional standards.

“Staff use their strong knowledge of how children learn and their expertise in teaching to provide an outstanding range of learning opportunities.

"Children initiate many activities, which are skilfully supported by staff. Children’s interest in the outside area leads them to explore natural materials such as digging in mud and sand and attending to flower beds.

"Children benefit from prolonged periods of uninterrupted time to play and experiment, which ensures that they remain engaged and focused on activities. They develop essential skills for future learning, asking questions and solving problems, which helps ensure they are very well prepared for starting school.”

Ofsted suggested just one improvement to the provision, which is to help children join in group conversations by providing specific support and encouragement.

Julie said: “We have one room and the children are in there together, from two-year-olds, and some of them are very young two-year-olds, to progressive five-year-olds. When the inspector visited I think there were some older boys who were chatting away and there wasn’t much room for the younger ones to get involved. We are putting together some activity packs which will aim to get some of the younger ones talking.

“But sometimes it just takes a while for children to come out of their shell. They all do eventually bt some take longer than others.”

For the full report, see http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/CARE/146021