CHILDREN and staff at Holybourne Village Pre-School were in the mood for celebrating this week after Ofsted deemed the pre-school ’good’ in all areas.

Inspector Helen Robinshaw praised both the pre-school’s leadership and staff on their relationships with the children, adding the "capable staff are good role models and they have a gentle and positive manner with the children".

In particular, staff "know all the children well and quickly develop secure and trusting relationships with them" and "sensitively support children as they grow in independence", the report continued.

The inspector also highlighted that the children benefit from visitors with additional expertise, including speech and language therapists and French teachers, as well as having the opportunity to explore the community and be involved in local school events, ensuring "all children are socially and emotionally well prepared for school".

Sue Husbands, manager of the pre-school, based at Holybourne Village Hall, said: "I am really proud of the team and that all our hard work and dedication has paid off. The inspector was very impressed with the team and thought our plans for the future looked very exciting."

Holybourne Village Pre-School is due to hold its first new and nearly-new sale on Saturday, May 11, from 11am to 2pm in Holybourne Village Hall.

All are welcome to attend the event, and pick up a bargain or two while raising vital funds for the pre-school.

Light refreshments will also be available, and further details can be found on the Holybourne Village Pre-School Facebook page. Holybourne Village Pre-School operates from Holybourne Village Hall and welcomes children from two-and-a-half years to school age.

It is open 9am to 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 9am to 12pm on Thursday and Friday. For enquiries, or to make an application, call Sue or Liane on 07748824942.