A Southampton preschool with a ‘happy atmosphere’ where children are ‘happy learners’ has been given a good rating by Ofsted for the third time in a row.

Foundry Lane Community Playgroup, in Shirley, Southampton, has ticked all the boxes for inspectors and was given a ‘good’ rating for all categories.

The preschool was found to have an atmosphere where children develop bonds with staff.

The report said: “There is a happy atmosphere in the playgroup. Children develop strong, trusting bonds with staff.

“The respectful relationships staff build with children help them learn to be considerate and kind as they play with their friends.

“For instance, older children take turns playing hide and seek and readily invite younger friends to 'go hide'.”

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The report highlights that children are enthusiastic learners who lead their own play and settle quickly into their chosen activities.

The preschool’s curriculum was also praised for enabling children to be happy when learning.

The report said: “The curriculum focus on enabling children to be happy, confident, resilient and to learn about positive behaviour is threaded through all that staff do.

“This helps older children who are moving to school to be prepared well for their onward educational journey”

'The manager is a strong leader'

The manager of the setting was also praised as a ‘strong leader’ and the ‘ambitious’ curriculum which lays foundations for the future learning.

It said: “The shared vision of ensuring that children gain the knowledge and skills that lay firm foundations for future learning is a priority for all staff.

“They create an ambitious curriculum, which focuses on promoting children's personal, social and emotional development.”

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It added: “Staff focus on promoting children's speaking, listening and attention skills well.

“They quickly identify children who need additional help to catch up with their communication skills and put in effective support.

“Children, including those who speak English as an additional language, benefit from small-group communication sessions.

“They concentrate and listen for short periods as they hear and remember new vocabulary, which they share confidently with their friends.”