A LUDGERSHALL pre-school has been deemed outstanding in all areas following a recent inspection.

Staff at Ludgershall Pre-school have been commended for providing a “supportive and high quality service” within a “happy setting” for children and their families in a report by Ofsted.

The Short Street play school was rated outstanding in its effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development and outcomes for children, an improvement on the good rating it received in 2015.

During the inspection last month it was found that the children “benefit from a very broad variety of play opportunities that challenge their thinking and physical skills”.

Children were observed to be confident, receiving “praise for their efforts, helping to effectively raise their self-esteem and confidence” while developing excellent communication skills in which “older children listen attentively and respond to how and why questions”.

The pre-school’s managers and staff were also praised for the quality of the teaching, prioritising safeguarding and having clear and up-to-date policies in place to secure the welfare of children.

On being rated outstanding, acting manager Claire Churchill said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to receive an outstanding rating in all areas from Ofsted.

"This endorsement proves that all our hard work is recognised and the exceptional care and education we strive to provide is delivered. The whole team is thrilled.”

Pre-school chairperson, Danielle Cummins, added: “The whole committee and I are incredibly proud of all the staff, parents and children on this magnificent result from Ofsted.

"The staff and committee continually strive to work towards an outstanding status and will continue to do so.”