‘OUTSTANDING’ was Ofsted’s verdict on Kingsteignton’s Rackerhayes Pre-school.

The Ofsted inspectors report: ‘Children have a wonderful time at this pre-school. They have access to many exciting activities.

‘The outside area has a play area and free-flow painting area for exploring, having fun with friends and enjoying creative play.

‘Inside, there is an extensive climbing frame for learning how to take risks and develop physical skills. The children enjoy these activities very much.

‘There is a special area in the pre- school, called ‘Jackie’s Classroom’, where the children learn about the focus project of the half-term in small groups.

‘Currently, they are exploring outer space through many enticing and engaging activities. For example, a highly successful activity involved making space aliens out of clay and colourful golf tees.

‘At all times interactions with children are of a very high quality. The impact of the teaching is highly effective, and children are deeply engaged and sustain high levels of concentration.

‘The staff have excellent relationships with parents. They work together to support children’s development.

‘For example, children are given ‘homework’ to do with their parents. The activities are fun and support parents to be part of their child’s learning.

‘Staff teach children to have a love of learning, and they have pride in their achievements.

‘Additionally, for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), staff provide parents with duplicates of any supportive resources they create for individual children.

‘Parents can then use these helpful aids at home to support their child.’

The pre-school’s previous rating had been ‘Good’.

Karen Field, childcare manager, of Rackerhayes Pre-school, said: ‘We have always strived to be recognised as outstanding. But I never thought it possible as a pack away setting, but our hard work and dedication has paid off.

‘Thanks to my deputy Craig, my staff team, the parents that gave such wonderful feedback to Ofsted and of course the children who all helped us achieve the highest commendation possible… We are outstanding.’

Mayor of Kingsteignton, Cllr Ron Peart, paid a visit because he was ‘extremely proud’ that a setting in Kingsteignton had been awarded outstanding and gave the school the chance to show off the shed which Kingsteignton Council contributed towards via the council grant scheme.

How the pre-school was rated: Overall effectiveness – Outstanding; The quality of education – Outstanding; Behaviour and attitudes – Outstanding; Personal development – Outstanding; Leadership and management – Outstanding. Overall effectiveness at previous inspection – Good.