A SWANAGE pre-school said its ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating is an ‘honour’ after being praised for exemplary child behaviour.

Little Birds Pre-school situated within St Mary's R C Primary School on Northbrook Road, has been rated as ‘outstanding’ in a recent Ofsted report.

Inspectors of the education watchdog attended the early years setting where around 50, two to four year-old children are taught.

The report found the pre-school had an ‘excellent implementation’ of a ‘highly ambitious curriculum’.

Children are described as ‘engrossed’ in their learning and staff engage children of all ages in whole-group activities.

The report stated: “Children play amazing attention and engage fully.”

“For example, they recall the life cycle of a butterfly, remembering vocabulary such as 'cocoon'.

“They discover similarities and differences between moths.

“There is great excitement when staff release real moths and children recall their names, such as elephant hawk and tiger moth.”

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Staff were praised for treating the children with ‘huge respect,’ and emphasising the uniqueness of each child to meet their needs ‘exceptionally well’.

Following a decline in children’s emotional development, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, staff trained in the Hygge approach, a nature-based calming environment.

A yoga teacher also visits the pre-school to help children with mindfulness.

Parents have commented both strategies have proved highly beneficial at home as well as in the early years setting.

Jodie Edmunds, preschool leader, and Jude French, deputy leader, explained how pleased they are with the Ofsted report.

“Our preschool is a more than a place of early education, we are a family, and we care about each and every one of our children and their families,” they said.

“Lots of us as individuals completed the Hygge in the early years, ‘a wanderlust child’ qualification and we are now working towards a whole setting accreditation, incorporating other disciplines into our practice daily, we stand on the shoulders of giants.

“Our Little Birds are unique, creative, curious learners and each one has the ability to be anything they want to be.

“We are extremely proud that Ofsted recognised the magic of Little Birds Preschool, and the hard work, passion, drive and expertise that our team deliver early education with daily.

“Our hearts are full by all the support and well wishes we have had, and it is an honour to say we are Ofsted Outstanding.”