BASSETTS Farm pre-school in Withycombe has had a glowing report card from the education watchdog, Ofsted.

BASSETTS Farm pre-school in Withycombe has had a glowing report card from the education watchdog, Ofsted.

In each of the 17 categories evaluated, ranging from safety, leadership, children's enjoyment and education, they rated 'good'.

The report was the first since 30-child pre-school moved to a new building - they originally opened in 1983 and moved to a purpose-built building in the grounds of Bassetts Farm Primary School last year.

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector Kevin Wright said: " Children are happy and secure in this well-resourced and welcoming setting.

"Staff provide an inclusive environment where each child's welfare and learning needs are successfully met, so that the children make good progress in their learning and development.

"Good partnerships with parents and external agencies ensure children's needs are properly addressed. Effective self-evaluation has enabled the setting to show that it has a good capacity for continuous improvement."

Children, he said, were 'enthusiastic' to learn, felt safe, had good relationships with staff and separate happily from their parents and carers.

He praised how the pre-school promoted each child's 'developing independence' and were allowed to move freely and independently: "In this well-resourced, inclusive and supportive environment children are able to succeed," he said.

All the children regularly enjoyed out door activities, but he did add that it was often difficult to use the outdoor play area when raining.

The children, he said, enjoyed 'imaginative play' using a wide range of toys and: "They are keen to take on responsibilities and show that they like to help in tidying away toys and storing them correctly on the shelves. In doing this the children make a good contribution to their own community."

Mr Wright praised the support children got from enthusiastic staff, who encouraged their curiosity and provided a range of interesting and challenging and tasks: "Children are well prepared for their move to school and for their future learning," he concluded.

Karen Bamsey of the pre-school said: "We are very pleased with the report. It is the first one since we moved into new facilities last year.

"We are now looking forward to developing our outside area."

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