A SOUTHAMPTON pre-school where children "skip into class" has been praised by watchdogs.

Brambles Community Pre-school has been rated 'good' by Ofsted.

The setting, based at Thornhill Primary School on Byron Road, was rated 'good' in all four categories.

The pre-school had 39 children aged between two and four years old on roll at the time of the inspection on February 23.

Inspectors said that children "happily skip into class, eager to begin their day", adding that they have "warm bonds" with staff and behave well.

Children learn about different textures and sensory experiences through play such as playing with toy animals in a range of sensory habitats.

The curriculum was described as "ambitious" and builds on what children already know and can do.

It aims for children to become confident "life-long learners" who have a "love for learning".

The report said: "Staff skilfully support children with their independence. They teach children how to be independent through everyday routines.

"For example, children learn how to put on their own coats, hats and wellingtons before going out to play in the garden."

Inspectors noted that the management team has a "good awareness" of the local area and where families live.

They said that this helps the team provide "rich and varied" experiences for children to extend their learning and development further.

The report said that staff recognise the importance of outdoor learning for those who do not have access to a garden.

This means staff ensure children have plenty of opportunity to access the garden space.

Staff become "highly engaged and focused" in their activities with the children and "quickly put interventions into place to support children when gaps in development are identified".

All children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress in their learning and development, the report said.