CHRISTMAS came early to Fernhurst Pre-School, where children, parents and staff are celebrating being graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

The village pre-school next to Fernhurst Primary School is run independently by a charity management committee. It was commended by Ofsted in all areas of care and provision.

Inspectors commented: “The innovative and inspirational leadership of the manager drives the excellent standards at this pre-school. Children make exceptional progress in their learning. Staff create a wonderful sense of excitement and successfully inspire children’s enthusiasm.”

Recently appointed lead practitioner Elizabeth Vigar said: “We are extremely pleased with the report. I am so proud of the staff, who have worked so hard to gain this result in such a short period of time.”

The children celebrated in their new purpose-built ‘all year garden’, complete with sand pit and digging pit, which was commended by Ofsted as an “exceptionally strong feature” providing children with “interesting and challenging experiences across the curriculum”.

The pre-school was also commended on its parent and baby group ‘Fernhurst Fledglings’, which helps to forge close family links from birth.