A PRESCHOOL has been judged as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted inspectors.

Heighington Pre-School Playgroup has improved its ranking from 'good' to 'outstanding' in the three years since its last inspection.

Teaching was described as 'inspirational' and that pupils made 'exceptional progress' during their time at the playgroup, which is based at the Village Hall in Heighington, near Darlington.

It was set up in 1999 and is now open five days a week, during term-time, from 9am until 12 noon, employing four staff, one of whom is a qualified teacher.

The small, rural preschool provides early education places for two, there and four-year-old children.

Councillor Gerald Lee, who represents the Heighington ward on Darlington Borough Council. praised the achievements of the small village preschool during a council meeting last week.

Inspectors were complimentary about the outstanding effectiveness of leadership and management and said: "The manager and staff team work extremely hard in every aspect of their practice.

"They are passionate about helping children to achieve their goals and maintaining rapid in their learning."

It also praises the monitoring of teaching in the playgroup and the impact it has on the children's progress.

The teachers were also praised for keeping the children 'constantly engaged' in their learning, showing enjoyment and enthusiasm in every activity.

Inspectors added: "Staff are exceptionally skilful in altering the levels of their support, and challenge each individual through every experience.

"For example, boys develop mathematical awareness and small muscle-skills for early writing, as staff challenge them to roll small and large balls of glittered dough."

Children also had good computer skills and staff have worked with speech therapists to help children with communication.

They also showed 'overwhelming levels of respect and consideration for each other', with group sessions where they listened intently to their classmates and showed support by clapping, after they had stood up to present special items from home.

Outcomes were also outstanding, with most children working in stages higher than expected for their ages, and were ready for starting school earlier than expected.

Children were also 'resilient and emotionally well-behaved', with gaps in learning swiftly identified and closed.

There are still places available at the preschool. Email heighingtonpreschool70@gmail.com