A POPULAR village pre-school has earned a string of outstanding grades in almost every area assessed by Ofsted inspectors.The achievement at Ormesby Village Pre School Playgroup comes after a move into the main infant school building and sees Ofsted awarding top grade one marks in all but three of 14 categories.

A POPULAR village pre-school has earned a string of outstanding grades in almost every area assessed by Ofsted inspectors.

The achievement at Ormesby Village Pre School Playgroup comes after a move into the main infant school building and sees Ofsted awarding top grade one marks in all but three of 14 categories.

In their feedback inspectors said hard working and dedicated staff provided lively and imaginative activities for exceptionally well-behaved and enthusiastic children who readily part with their parents at the beginning of each session.

Inspectors were also impressed with the excellent leadership of manager Anne Craske and with the ability of staff to pick up on children's interests and adapt activities to them.

In a summary the report says: “Provision is outstanding in this extremely popular and exceptionally well run pre-school setting that continues to improve and develop. Children's safety, welfare and learning development have a high priority in all of the school's work. The needs of early years children are met particularly effectively and they are all included exceptionally well in all aspects of provision.”

Ofsted noted that children arrived at pre-school full of enthusiasm with staff ready to involve them in fun, well-thought out activities.

It adds: “Relationships throughout the setting are excellent as seen in the outstanding behaviour of children at all times of day. Children are confident and have an excellent understanding of the daily routines, for example snack and lunch time.”

The excellent progress in a wide range of skills ensures children are exceptionally well prepared for the future, the report concludes.

Mrs Craske said: “Thank you to all my staff, children and parents - through our working together all our achievements have been recognised.”

To help families juggle their busy lives the pre-school runs breakfast and after school clubs for children aged two to 11 plus a range of baby and toddler clubs. For more information about the school call 01493 731274.

Ofsted was also impressed with Ormesby Village Infant School which shares its site with the pre-school.

Following a two day inspection at the end of last month the inspector was full of praise for the considerable improvement, despite the turmoil of reorganisation which saw it lose Year 3 to the junior school, triggering redundancies.

Her report pays tribute to the “strong and skilful” leadership of the headteacher Lucy Bates and to the staff for “pulling together.”

It also applauds the 113 children who behave well, are proud of their achievements and keen to please teachers and teaching assistants.

The curriculum is said to be lively and relevant, firing children's enthusiasm for learning although the report notes children could do with a deeper understanding of different cultures within Britain.

The school achieved an “outstanding” rating under the heading “how well learners enjoy their education” and was awarded a grade two “good” overall.

In a letter to parents Ms Bates said: “I would like to thank your wonderful children for their enthusiasm, energy and hard work. They are a privilege to know and teach.”