A PRE-SCHOOL previously told to improve by Ofsted has now been praised for providing "good-quality education and care for every child".

Downton Community Pre-School, which is located in The Band Hall, Gravel Close, has been rated good during its latest inspection. Receiving good ratings in all the assessment areas including leadership and management; teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; and the outcomes for children.

It was previously rated as requires improvement.

Inspector Loraine Wardlaw said "all children are thoroughly engaged in their learning" and that staff offered "good teaching support" as the children play. She said: "Children are extremely settled and motivated to learn. They very much enjoy the stimulating play environment on offer to them."

The report said the progress of the children was "closely monitored" adding: "Children make good developmental progress through the strong teaching delivered."

"All of the children develop good key skills that they need for the next stage in their learning," the report said.

Children with special needs were also "well supported".

Ms Wardlaw said: "Since the last inspection, managers have worked hard to successfully ensure staff deliver consistently good-quality education and care for every child, regardless of their needs or background."

The report said staff did not consistently plan as well as possible to encourage children to develop their reading and writing skills.

The pre-school's chairman, Jen Brewin, said: "We are very pleased with the good Ofsted rating and delighted that the report contained so many positive comments about the children's happiness and progress with us.

"It is an exciting time for the pre-school, with this recognition and the prospect of a move to fantastic new premises. We are working hard towards this and hope to move in September this year."