A PRE-SCHOOL in Colchester has been praised by inspectors for the third inspection running.

Myland Pre-School, which is based at Myland Parish Halls, in Mile End Road, was reviewed last month by Ofsted's Lynn Hartigan.

Ofsted had last inspected the pre-school, which has 33 youngsters aged two to four, six years ago.

It was then that inspectors noted a welcoming environment, though it was added children who did not speak English as their first language required more opportunities to use their mother tongue.

The most recent inspection saw the pre-school maintain its good rating after officials assessed the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes of youngsters, and how children develop.

The leadership and management of the Myland Pre-School was also praised.

With the inspection being the first since the Covid-19 pandemic, the effects of the lockdown and subsequent restrictions were discussed by the inspector and the pre-school manager, Diane Woodrow.

The seven-page report, which was published earlier this month, noted the children show “great enthusiasm” when exploring activities and develop a good relationship with key staff at the pre-school.

One such activity highlighted in the inspection report was the ‘ocean play’ which involved youngsters arm bands, rubber rings and sunglasses as part of their learning about the sea.

The links between staff and parents were described as being well established, with strong communication meaning parents feel comfortable leaving their children at the pre-school for the day ahead.

Children, too, were described as being happy leaving their parents at the start of the school day.

Safeguarding procedures were observed as being well implemented, and a robust recruitment policy meant all the children were well cared for by staff.

Minor cavils identified by inspectors included an improvement of daily routines and a greater use of effective questioning techniques to extend children’s vocabulary.

Pre-school Diane Woodrow told the Gazette she was pleased with the final rating.

She said: “The preschool are very pleased to have received the good rating as the manager and staff work hard to achieve the best for every child in our care.”