A PRESCHOOL has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in its first inspection since the pandemic.

The education watchdog visited Holmes Chapel Community Preschool in September.

Set in the grounds of the Middlewich Road primary school, sessions are run for children aged two to four.

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In a report just published, inspectors deemed all four of the key areas, leadership, quality of teaching, personal development and outcomes as ‘good’.

Ofsted inspector Lynn Richards said: “Kind and caring staff support children’s emotional wellbeing with lots of cuddles and reassurance.

“Children peer round the door as they enter this welcoming pre-school, eager to see what they might play with.”

A calm atmosphere has been created and children are encouraged to read stories together.

Communication skills and team work are developed as staff provide a range of physical activities and challenges.

“Children’s confidence is developed by the regular praise that they receive for completing tasks,” said the inspector.

“Children learn social skills and develop positive attitudes.”

Learning is not confined to the classroom.

She described how youngsters enjoy exploring the local neighbourhood.

“Children benefit from outings within the local community,” she said.

“Staff teach children about their local area as they explore the parks, shops and local library.

“Children develop a sense of belonging and they learn about the similarities and differences in their community and other communitities.”

Children with special educational needs and disabilities, the said are ‘well supported’.

Staff demonstrate ‘skilled and well-timed interactions’, tailor made to suit each individual.

“They thread sequenced learning into activities for each child, managing their different abilities well,” she said.

“Some children are encouraged to match, sort and group items.

“Other children are helped to count, add and take away.”

Staff were commended for ‘speaking nicely’ to children and ‘listening well’.

The inspector was impressed by the constant conversations which promote children’s growing vocabulary.

This is the third time the pre-school has gained a ‘good’ Ofsted after attaining similar grades in 2015 and 2017.