A PRESCHOOL in Taunton has been awarded the highest possible score after an Ofsted inspection. 

Creech St Michael Community Preschool was rated as "outstanding" in an inspection that took place on February 22. 

The report stated that the children make excellent progress and are extremely well behaved.

It read: "Rigorous self-evaluation helps management very successfully to prioritise improvements that have the most impact on children's learning, to ensure excellent quality outcomes.

"For example, management and staff have made significant improvements to the outdoor area, providing an exciting space where children have excellent opportunities to develop their mathematical and early writing skills.

" Staff very successfully involve parents in their children's learning, and systems to share information are extremely effective. For example, parents routinely inform staff of children's learning at home, which staff use very well in children's assessments and planning for their next steps.

"Children have excellent self-esteem and show very high levels of emotional security. Children are consistently kind and caring, and they show great tolerance and understanding of each other's differences. Staff are excellent role models for children.

"They provide a very calm and happy environment, where children are listened to and respected."

It went on to state that children who have special educational needs receive excellent support to ensure that they make the best possible progress.

According to Ofsted, staff work extremely closely with other professionals, including other early years providers, to make sure individual learning plans are consistent between settings.

One improvement pointed out in the report is to continue to develop outdoor learning opportunities that encourage children to express themselves through music.

Debra Insall, manager at the preschool, said: "As manager I am absolutely delighted.

"I am very proud of my team, they work very hard."

Louise Hobbs, chairman of the preschool committee, said: "This is an excellent report which accurately reflects the hard work and dedication of the staff."