Staff and parents at Garras Owlets Pre-School near Helston are celebrating after securing an overall outstanding rating from Ofsted.

Inspector Jayne Pascoe considered the pre-school outstanding in all three inspection areas: how well the year early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend; the contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children and the effectiveness of the leadership and management.

She said in her report: “Staff give children time and attention and use very skilful teaching methods. They encourage children’s natural curiosity as they ask questions, provide additional tools and resources, and extend children's learning by introducing additional challenge.

“Children are extremely confident communicators who express themselves exceptionally well. Their language skills are excellent and they use sign language as |an additional method |of communication. Children demonstrate excellent independence skills.”

While the pre-school received an outstanding rating, there was one area Ms Pascoe felt could be improved. She said: “Staff promote children’s early reading and writing skills exceptionally well indoors as there is a wealth of signs and symbols and excellent use of labelling. However, the outdoor area does not offer an equal amount of visual support to help children become familiar with words and letters.”

The report, which has seen Owlets progress from a good rating in 2011, has been welcomed by staff and parents. Julia Newman, Owlets’ Pre-School leader said: “We are delighted with this inspection report and with all the help and support given by staff, committee members, parents and Garras School.

“We aim to continue to make further improvements and to provide the best possible care for our pre-school community.”

Gill Wiley, an Owlets’ mum added: “This is so well deserved. I love this pre-school and so does my daughter. The staff are so friendly, kind and gentle towards the children and the surroundings are just beautiful for the children to play and learn in.” The full inspection report can be found online at www.garrasowlets.co.uk.