Paint Pots pre-school at William Gilpin Church of England Primary School in Boldre rated “outstanding” by Ofsted

A YURT-based preschool in Boldre has been rated ‘outstanding’ in every category following its latest Ofsted inspection.

Paint Pots, operating at William Gilpin Church of England Primary School in Pilley Hill, received the highest rating for its education quality, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Following a one-day visit in January, inspectors wrote: “Children develop meaningful and lasting relationships during their time at the setting. They replicate the interactions they see from staff and show high levels of kindness and respect to one another.

“Staff recognise the importance that friendships have on children's emotional and social development, and create opportunities for children to maintain their connections with others.”

The pre-school, which has 23 children aged two to four on its roster, was described as having an “open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first”.

Inspectors noted: “Staff demonstrate an excellent understanding of the sequence in which children learn, as they develop children's early literacy skills. For example, staff spark children's interest in letters and sounds by displaying written text alongside pictures.”

Executive director of Paint Pots, The Rev Canon Nick Ralph, said: “We are thrilled that the inspector has noted the outstanding achievements of the children and the work being done by hardworking staff providing a great early years experience all year round. This is the second time it has achieved this which supports the great consistency of their work.”