A PRE-SCHOOL where families feel part of a community has been told it is "good" by Ofsted.

Woodham Mortimer Pre-School was visited by the education watchdog for its first routine inspection since the start of the Covid pandemic.

The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the pre-school which was into account in their evaluation.

They also spoke with parents, committee members, children and staff during their visit in early March.

Parents spoke highly of the staff team and told the inspector about the strong support they received from staff during the pandemic.

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The manager also values suggestions from parents, Ofsted found.

She implements new ideas, such as introducing parent consultation evenings.

Families are actively involved with the committee-run fundraising events to help pay for new resources.

This helps with repairs such as fixing the outdoor classroom following a recent storm.

As a result of this, the inspector says, families of the children at the pre-school feel part of a community.

Children were also praised for their high levels of concentration.

The inspector observed them focus and stay at an activity for a long time, engrossed in what they're doing.

The youngsters learn about safety even when making pretend pies.

An example Ofsted gives is when they listen to staff and pretend to put on oven gloves before placing their pies into the imaginary oven.

These experiences help children to understand how to stay safe in their homes, the inspector said.

Children were also hailed for their independence as they are actively involved in preparing snacks.

They serve themselves and pour their own water and milk.

Staff encourage children to sit with others at mealtimes and older children sit and concentrate for longer periods of time.

It is recognised how this will help children to make the most of what primary school has to offer.

However, the watchdog said management should support staff to provide children with "consistent opportunities to understand what the marks they make represent and to develop their early writing skills" to further improve.

The pre-school was formerly rated as outstanding in an inspection in 2014.