A SOUTHAMPTON pre-school is celebrating receiving the highest possible rating following its first inspection since relocating.

Paint Pots Pre-school in Harefield has been given an 'Outstanding' rating by Ofsted.

The pre-school, on Yeovil Chase, had its first inspection since moving to a new premises in September 2020.

Inspectors found that children are "extremely happy and excited" about going to preschool.

READ MORE: Pre-school celebrating after achieving 'almost impossible' Ofsted rating

The report found that children's behaviour is "impeccable" and that they have "extremely close emotional attachments to staff and confidently seek them out for reassurance".

Inspectors noted that staff are "passionate" about what they do and that they know the children well.

"The manager and her team provide a highly focused curriculum which provides all children with targeted support, to help them make the best progress possible," the report said.

The inspectors also described how an inclusive environment is created in which “children learn about kindness and respect for each other through the staff's excellent role modelling, with children recalling the 'Paint Pots Promises' as they talk about being kind to their friends.

READ MORE: School told to improve despite four categories out of five rated 'Good'

The Right Reverend Debbie Sellin, Bishop of Southampton, and chair of the Launchpads board, which Paint Pots is part of, said: “It is wonderful to see the work of the team at Paint Pots Harefield being recognised by Ofsted.

"They have created a warm and nurturing environment for children, based our foundational Christian values of kindness and respect. Well done to all for their hard work and dedication.”

The Revd Canon Nick Ralph, Executive Director of Paint Pots, added: “I am delighted that Paints Pots at Harefield has been given the Ofsted rating it deserves.

"This is the fourth ‘Outstanding’ report that Paint Pots have been awarded this year and it is testament to the team’s approach of creating spaces that are homely and caring, places where we can work out our values of love, laughter and learning."

Paint Pots Pre-school is part of the Paint Pots group which is made up of 13 settings, mainly in Southampton.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook