THE “hard work and dedication” of staff has been recognised as watchdog inspectors rated a pre-school in the highest regard last week.

Overton Preschool, based at Overton C of E Primary School, received an overall ‘outstanding’ rating from education watchdog Ofsted following its October inspection, making the perfect early birthday present ahead of the venue’s 40th anniversary next year.

Inspectors praised the management team for its vision and high expectations, staff working “exceptionally well” together and the teaching methods being used.

The report, published on November 23, said: “The staff are well qualified and they work well together in organising the provision to make sure it meets the needs of all children extremely well.

“Staff use an exceptional range of resources that actively challenges children’s language development.

“For example, staff introduce exciting activities to help children to learn rhyming words.

“Children are confident and motivated learners.

“Staff use a variety of teaching methods to engage the children in activities, to ensure children make rapid progress.”

One improvement inspectors suggested to be made was to boost opportunities for children to represent their own ideas and self-expression in creative tasks.

Overton Preschool runs from a site within the primary school, and is part of the Overton Preschool Playgroup.

Playgroup leader Amanda Igo said: “We are delighted to have been rated as ‘outstanding’ in all areas, at both of our settings.

“It is a well deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of our staff.

“It will be our 40th anniversary in January 2019 so this is a great start to the celebrations.”

The achievement comes after the preschool’s last inspection in February 2016 where the centre was rated ‘good’ overall and Overton Playgroup achieved ‘outstanding’.