WEST Monkton Pre-School is celebrating a remarkable turnaround after receiving a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, having been graded as ‘inadequate’ during its previous inspection.

Following a visit from Ofsted on April 26, the pre-school has been rated as ‘Good’ in all four areas, and inspectors noted the ‘friendly atmosphere’ the staff have created.

The Ofsted report said that the children are ‘confident and happy’, have a ‘very good relationships with the staff and with each other’ and are ‘gaining a good range of skills in readiness for school’.

The Pre-school has widespread community support, and after a disappointing visit from Ofsted in January, the community has rallied round.

Parents gave their own time to refresh the outdoor play area, and nearby businesses also helped – Wickes donated paint, and Monkton Elm Garden Centre donated both plants and expertise, giving a talk to the children about how plants grow.

Manager Karen Vanstone, said: “We are so happy with our Ofsted outcome of ‘Good’.

“Myself and my staff continuously work hard to ensure that the children at pre-school are provided with an exciting and varied learning environment and we are glad this shone through in our report.

“We are a close knit team and work within the heart of the community, keeping good contact with local businesses.

“Our Ofsted report has given the pre-school a new confidence and we are looking forward to the future years.”

Kate Chedzoy, chairman of the pre-school said: “We are absolutely thrilled. The staff, committee members, parents, the village hall and businesses, have rallied together and worked really hard to help support us.

“This report is a reflection of the dedication and hard work put in from our manager Karen Vanstone and her amazing team, and is a total credit to them all.

“The children are thriving and love the relaxed open plan setting of the preschool.

“They enjoy playing in our outdoor play area and playing with the parachute on the big open grass area.”