SCALLYWAGS Pre-School in Hallwill provides 'a rich, imaginative and stimulating range of activities that effectively promote children's progress and development' according to their latest Ofsted report.

The pre-school was rated as outstanding, receiving top marks in all categories, including overall effectiveness of provision, effectiveness of leadership and management, and outcomes for children.

The pre-school received an outstanding rating at its last inspection in 2008. It is a committee-run pre-school, which operates from the parish hall in Halwill Junction. Opened in 1980, the pre-school has 19 children on roll, and employs four members of staff.

The inspector was particularly impressed with staff's efforts continuously to improve and build upon the work being carried out at Scallywags.

Inspector Heather Morgan said: 'The enthusiastic staff team work together extremely well to provide a rich, imaginative and stimulating range of activities that effectively promote children's progress and development.

'Overall, they make excellent use of the premises and resources to capture children's interest and encourage their independent learning.

'Children make excellent progress in their learning and development because staff deliver a wide range of stimulating activities, based on what they know about children's interests and abilities.

'Rigorous assessment enables staff to track children's progress and identify what they need to learn next. The sensitive and highly skilled staff team successfully support children's independent play choices.

'Excellent procedures are in place to keep children safe and develop their awareness of safety.'

Lorraine Crocker, co-chair for Scallywags, said: 'We have a hard-working team, very committed staff and a great committee, and we are proud to provide such a great provision for children in the area.

'We had an outstanding report in 2008, but to maintain that level is a real achievement. It shows that all the hard work and working together is paying off, and we're all very proud.'