A PLAYGROUP has said it is "extremely proud" despite receiving a lower Ofsted grade. 

Parkview Community Playgroup, which was once rated 'outstanding', has been given a grade of 'good' overall following its last inspection on March 6. 

All four categories at the Chandler's Ford playgroup were given the 'good' rating.

The playgroup has said it "endeavours to improve wherever possible" after losing its 'outstanding' rating.

READ MORE: School 'on a journey to improve' after low Ofsted rating

Sabrina Gardener, a parent and committee member for the playgroup, said: "Despite dropping from Outstanding to Good, we are extremely proud of our Ofsted report. 

"We are reassured to know that the new criteria to obtain 'outstanding' makes it very difficult to reach that mark, however we endeavour to improve wherever possible. 

"As a parent and committee member of our playgroup, I can express how much my own children and nieces love the staff and the setting.

"It's lovely to have such a friendly community playgroup where children can enjoy learning, playing and preparing for school in."

READ MORE: Ofsted inspection 'captured the very essence of our school'

The setting, on Hiltingbury Road, had 34 children aged between two and four years old on roll at the time of the inspection.

The inspection described children at the setting as "busy and self-motivated", showing positive attitudes towards their learning.

Staff support children to talk about what they know, encouraging them to be confident communicators. 

The report noted that the manager has a "clear curriculum" in place for the children. 

The manager and the team aim to ensure children are ready to move on to the next stage in their education.

Inspectors said that staff "understand how children learn and how they can support them in the playgroup".

At the setting, children are given a range of opportunities to practise their physical skills such as balancing on rocking blocks, stretching up high to paint and pegging up ropes on trees.

Good health is promoted at the play group by teaching children about hand washing and learning about healthy and active lifestyles.