STAFF, children and parents of a West Devon pre-school are celebrating after receiving a positive outcome on their recent Ofsted inspection.

In November last year, the Old School Children's Centre in Whitchurch was found to be grade 3 'requiring improvement' following the publication of a rigorous new Ofsted evaluation schedule

Now, just a year on, the pre-school has been deemed Grade 2 'Good' in all areas.

Since the last inspection, the pre-school has made 'significant strides' and is 'consistently looking for ways to develop the provision for the children who attend', according to the recent Ofsted report.

The report recognised that children who attended the setting were supported in building 'very strong bonds with practitioners', were 'happy and settled' and that 'their needs are fully met'.

All children at the pre-school were said to be making good progress and practitioners were very effective in sharing each child's achievements, working with parents to identify and share strategies that would support each child's learning within and outside the setting.

The practitioners' plan was deemed to provide 'engaging, exciting and interesting opportunities to engage in imaginative play' and children benefited from lots of outdoor play experiences.

Partners Abbie Gardiner, Lesley Griffiths and Natasha Weake believed that the hard work, commitment and reflection of the practitioner team has strengthened the practice and provision throughout the setting and expressed thanks to everyone involved for the time and dedication to their roles.

Abbie said: 'It was a big team effort, everyone has worked really hard and we are very proud.

'It has been a bit of a journey and we just want to thank all the staff and parents who have shown us tremendous support. Honestly, without them, this could not have happened.

'We are all so proud and pleased!'

Abbie said the team was thrilled that the recent report had recognised the progress they had made.

The Old School Children's Centre has recently received planning permission to renovate and extend the current site and facilities.

This will enable the team to create a purpose-designed indoor and outdoor area for each age group of children who attend and tailor it specifically to their needs.