A PRE-SCHOOL in Leigh is celebrating success after achieving top marks in its first Ofsted inspection.

Westcliff Pre-school, in London Road, was highly praised by Ofsted inspectors who gave the school an outstanding rating in all areas.

Inspectors found the praise and encouragement provided by staff helped children flourish.

Their report stated: “Children feel valued, due to high levels of praise and encouragement, and become confident communicators.

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“They flourish at this exciting all-inclusive pre-school and settle quickly.

“Children’s behaviour is exceptional, and they are caring towards each other and living things.

“Children’s independence is also superbly encouraged and praised, and they confidently choose from a huge variety of accessible resources, leading their own play.

“Parents five incredibly positive reviews, with staff giving families platforms to express views or suggestions and they then listen and put changes or actions into place rapidly.”

At the time of inspection there were 52 children at the school, all aged between two and four.

The quality of education at the pre-school was also highly rated by inspectors, who described it as “outstanding”.

The report added: “Staff follow children’s lead. They challenge them to think deeper and problem-solve via questions, such as ‘what do you think will happen’, and ‘what shall we do to change it’.

“As a result, children gain maximum learning opportunities, and they thrive on the challenges and reap the rewards of learning new skills rapidly.

“The setting’s routine is clear and consistent, giving children a sense of security.

“Children know what to expect each day and what is expected of them, and therefore form close bonds with others and become confident explorers.”

With this being the first time the pre-school had been rated by Ofsted, leaders were overjoyed with the result.

Joint managers at the school, Sam Bemister and Jo Saunders, added: “We would like to thank all our staff for their support and hard work in achieving this outstanding result.

“We are absolutely delighted with the outcome.”