A PRE-SCHOOL manager is "proud" of the school's latest Ofsted inspection results after just a year in management.

Friary Pre-School, in Chapter House on Carmelite Way, Maldon, has received a good rating from the education watchdog.

The school currently has 33 children on its roll, aged from two to four years old.

It has been rated as good in all areas.

Children were said to arrive at the site happy and appeared comfortable and safe as they made “good progress”.

A key-person system is in place which appears to be effective as the inspector said it “promotes children's emotional security”.

Staff were said to “speak knowledgeably about the children” and had developed “close bonds”.

In order to improve, Ofsted inspector Lynn Hartigan said: “Support staff need to engage children and help them to remain focused during large group activities and when preparing for lunchtime.”

Safeguarding arrangements were described as “effective”, with staff demonstrating “a secure understanding of how to keep children safe".

The report says: "They are clear about the procedures to follow should they have a concern regarding a child's well-being.”

A parent told the inspection “the amazing staff go above and beyond their expectations”.

The curriculum was described as “broad and ambitious”, and the manager of the pre-school was seen to have a “commitment to providing all children with the best possible learning opportunities”.

Pre-school manager Jeanette Stutely said: “Having taken over as manager less than a year ago I am very proud of what we have accomplished together.

"Being recognised as a ‘good’ rated pre-school by Ofsted is testament to the exceptional commitment of the team, who always go above and beyond for the children and families in our care.

“We have all had a lot of changes to manage and some challenges to overcome, but everyone has given their all to make this such a fantastic place to work and for the children to play and learn in.

“The children are a pleasure to be with and we will continue to provide them with a rich and positive start to their learning experience.”