Walton Under Fives Pre-School, located at Walton Village Hall in Somerset, has received an exceptional " Outstanding " rating in its recent Ofsted inspection.

The inspection, conducted on March 31, 2023, commended the pre-school for its overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, as well as leadership and management.

The report highlights the outstanding provision and the thriving environment the pre-school offers its young learners.

It says that children at the setting enjoy various exciting activities tailored to their individual needs and interests. The dedicated staff members have been praised for their nurturing approach, contributing to the children's exceptional levels of confidence and independence.

The pre-school's curriculum was recognised as ambitious and inspiring, with children confidently selecting from a variety of stimulating resources. The children's exemplary behaviour, care, and concern towards their friends, resources, and environment were noted, demonstrating their exceptional social skills and problem-solving abilities.

Additionally, the pre-school emphasises personal safety awareness, fostering discussions about fire safety and implementing effective lockdown procedures.

The report says the newly appointed manager has significantly improved communication with parents, implementing termly reports on children's development and enhancing home learning support. Parents have expressed their appreciation for the in-depth and regular communication they now receive, acknowledging the positive impact of the new management on the pre-school's quality.

The report also commends the pre-school's commitment to inclusive education. The special educational needs coordinator collaborates closely with external agencies and professionals to ensure children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive optimal care and learning opportunities. The pre-school's robust safeguarding procedures were praised, with staff demonstrating a strong understanding of child protection and whistle-blowing protocols.

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Walton Under Fives Pre-School, registered since 1995 and overseen by a committee of parents, offers full-day care for children aged 2 to 4 years. With a capacity of 40 places, the pre-school has established strong links with the local school to support children's smooth transition.

Writing on social media, a spokesperson for the pre-school said: "We would like to thank our outstanding staffing team and our wonderful committee for all their hard work and support that has made this possible."