Outstanding pre-school celebrates Ofsted praise

Staff and children at a popular pre-school are celebrating once more – after being rated 'outstanding' for the second time in four years.

Uplands Pre-School, in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft received a top rating in every area of its assessment by the education watchdog Ofsted.

And after receiving an extra-special Christmas present with the inspection report released on Christmas Eve, celebrations took place last week as a special lunch was held.

With Pandora the Panda – the pre-school's mascot – in attendance, a celebratory cake was cut as delighted staff marked the 'fantastic success'.

The inspectors' report says: 'Teaching is exceptional. Staff successfully support and promote children's development. Children are very happy and their behaviour is exemplary. Partnerships with parents are outstanding.'

Manager Sam Howlett said the success was all down to the hard work of a 'really dedicated team'. She said: 'To receive outstanding in all areas was amazing. It was a lovely Christmas present.'

To improve further, the pre-school – which is based at Uplands Community Centre in Ashburnham Way – was given an action task to 'enhance the exceptional outdoor learning environment'.

And before Christmas, a sponsored walk was held to raise funds – with parents praised for helping to raise £1,600 towards extending the outside area.

Mrs Howlett, who has worked at the pre-school for 17 years, added: 'We have about 60 children aged between two-and-a-half and four-and-a-half on roll, with nine members of staff and 140 children on our waiting list. We have got a really dedicated team and this is a fantastic success.'

The Ofsted report, based on a visit by inspectors last month, praised the 'highly skilled' staff and all the children who 'thrive in this stimulating pre-school'.

Have you got a Lowestoft story? Email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk