A SAFE environment, carefully planned curriculum and promotion of outdoor learning have seen Acton Bridge Preschool rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The Hill Top Road facility’s ‘high expectation for children’s behaviour and conduct’, plus its promotion of maths skills and introduction to language through play were also highlighted in a report from the education inspection team.

Inspectors said children benefit from ‘meaningful learning experiences that are planned using their interests’, including visits to local farms which extended on their learning.

They also said parents are happy with the relaxed atmosphere and praised the preschool for forging positive relationships with parents to create a ‘family-feel learning environment for children to thrive in’.

Children were described as becoming independent learners who had made good progress from their starting points.

The inspector added: “They are working at a level typical for their age and gain the key skills needed for the next stage in their development and eventual move to school.”

Safeguarding arrangements were also deemed effective and staff were found to have ‘a good understanding of what constitutes a safeguarding concern’.

Suggested improvements included building on staff development to further enhance the standard of teaching and enhancing information sharing systems to help parents develop ideas of how learning can be extended at home.