A Lowestoft pre-school, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of youngsters aged between two and five, was celebrating this week.

Eastern Daily Press: St Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesSt Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Staff, parents and youngsters at St Benedict's Pre-School were 'over the moon' after they were praised by government education inspectors.

Following an Ofsted inspection which took place on March 15, the education regulator rated the pre-school – which is based at St Benedict's Church in Hollingsworth Road – as 'good' in all areas.

The Ofsted report said: 'The leader and staff team are committed to providing children with high-quality care and education. Staff are highly effective in supporting children, who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Eastern Daily Press: St Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesSt Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

'Partnerships with parents and carers are excellent. Staff support children's literacy skills well in the pre-school. Children have regular access to a range of resources, both indoors and outside to stimulate their early reading and writing skills. This helps them well for their move on to school.'

Delighted to have received the second overall highest grade, Leanne Grant, pre-school leader, said: 'I am really proud of my team. We are over the moon – to get a good rating in all areas is really hard.'

With eight staff members overseeing sessions five days a week, youngsters can attend on mornings or afternoons, with full day sessional care offered on a Tuesday and Thursday starting from 9.15am until 3.45pm.

Eastern Daily Press: St Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesSt Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Mrs Grant said: 'The staff have done an excellent job and we have thorough training in place to improve further. This is all down to teamwork. We are working with the Rev Trevor Reiss – rector of St Peter's Church with St Benedict's – and the PCC, who are very supportive and committed to the pre-school becoming a permanent setting here in the future.

'We feel that the children learn more effectively through their play. The setting allows them the opportunity to achieve their best potential.'

As a registered charity, the pre-school is 'always looking for donations,' as they aim to upgrade their outdoor area.

Eastern Daily Press: St Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesSt Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

'With a whole new committee this year, led by chairman Sian Walker, they are helping to take the pre-school from strength to strength and are committed to moving us forward,' Mrs Grant added.

? For more details about the pre-school, ring 07791 849 899 or email st.ben.pre.school@outlook.com

Eastern Daily Press: St Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesSt Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: St Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesSt Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: St Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesSt Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: St Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesSt Benedict's Pre-School, Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)