IT'S a double achievement for the Highampton Area Pre-School who have just become accredited by the Pre-School Learning Alliance and received an excellent OFSTED report.

The five-year-old group, which meets in Highampton Village Hall, received its accreditation because of the quality shown in all areas — learning aspects, facilities provided, standard of care and effectiveness in management and follows a year of hard work by the Highampton Pre School Committee.

In a report from independent inspectors from OFSTED the pre-school was described as having a warm and welcoming atmosphere where children were making good progress. This progress was strengthened by the link with the village primary school.

The children's personal, social and emotional development was well fostered and they were well behaved, confident and happy, said inspectors.

The report also praised the relationships within the group and said spoken language was a particular strength, as well as a good use of books. Everyday opportunities were used well to encourage counting and mathematical problem-solving and good emphasis was placed on encouraging the children's confidence in their own drawing and design skills.

Points for consideration were opportunities for more use of information technology toys and a provision for a programme of physical development, both of which have since been addressed by the committee.

Twenty-one children aged from under one to five years old currently attend the pre-school each week, but sessions on a Tuesday and Wednesday are being extended as a result of the Government's decision to start funding three-year-olds.

For more information please contact pre-school leader Debbie Croft on 01837 811013.