A PRE-SCHOOL in Potterne has a great deal to celebrate after it earned an Outstanding rating from an Ofsted report.

Carers Nest Pre-School, Blackberry Lane, registered a flawless report that scored top marks in their leadership and management effectiveness, quality of teaching and learning, the outcomes for children and personal development behaviour and welfare.

The report, published last week, praised the pre-school, saying its manager and staff were exceptional, they provided an outstanding learning environment, the children's confidence flourished and their welfare and safety were at the heart of everything the staff did.

"The children were so excited to find out what mark we had got and when we told them they were so happy, along with ourselves and the parents," said the owner Emma Blackmore.

"All staff work extremely hard to provide only the very best for the young children in the local community of Potterne and families who travel to use our pre-school. Many of the children came into pre-school saying that they had learnt a new word. 'outstanding!'

"The parents have been so complimentary, sending us gifts and flowers, saying that we go above and beyond the call of duty. They have been so supportive and we are so grateful.

"Now we are determined to maintain these high standards that we have set and let these children flourish during their time here."

The pre-school, which scored a Good rating in its last Ofsted inspection back in 2014, was opened in September 2013 and currently has 20 children aged two to four, with six staff and one volunteer.

The Ofsted report also wrote that the manager and staff are excellent role models for children, such as encouraging highly positive behaviours.

They help children to understand the importance of using good manners, and to show care, respect and tolerance towards each other.

The well-qualified manager and staff seek out regular opportunities to deepen their skills and knowledge, for instance, they have expertly developed a range of music activities to help further children’s understanding of letters and sounds.

"We offer a home from home environment with an array of natural stimulating resources to encourage exploration, discovery and imagination with an enriched learning environment also in the outdoors," she added.

The pre-school are hosting an open day on April 8 from 2-4pm for a mini-farm day. For more information call 01380 698088.