A PRE-SCHOOL appears to have fallen victim to Ofsted’s new framework after losing its “outstanding” rating.

Caterpillar Under Fives, in Tidworth, was visited by the education watchdog in January, and a report published on February 7 graded it as “good” overall.

This was despite it receiving “outstanding” in all categories other than the quality of education.

Other schools and nurseries have recently highlighted that Ofsted’s new framework makes it harder to achieve an “outstanding”, and the national media has also reported on schools being downgraded because of changes to inspection rules.

The Ofsted report on Caterpillar Under Fives was full of praise, and said: “Children receive the warmest welcome from staff. They build incredibly close bonds with their key person, who knows them extremely well. This helps children feel valued and secure. Staff work hard to make sure that all children are fully included and enjoy their time at nursery. Quiet or shy children do not go unnoticed.”

It added: “Staff are kind, attentive, positive role models. Children get on very well with staff, and children from different faiths and cultures play together happily. Staff are highly successful in teaching children to recognise and manage their emotions.”

Children’s behaviour was described as “exemplary”.

The manager and deputy manager were said to be “enthusiastic and highly motivated”, adding: “The manager and deputy know the nursery exceptionally well and clearly understand the community it serves. They recognise the strengths and areas to develop further.”

Safeguarding measures were found to be effective.

In order to improve, Ofsted asked Caterpillar Under Fives to “encourage children, especially the most able, to think more deeply and explore new ideas”.

The nursery is part of the TNB Garrison Early Years and Play Committee, which runs other nurseries in the area.

It has 110 children on its roll.

Caterpillar Under Fives was asked for a comment.