EMBSAY-with-Eastby Pre-School Playgroup has been judged outstanding in all areas in a recent Ofsted inspection.

The Playgroup, which is approaching its 50th anniversary, is absolutely delighted with the judgement, which it says is due to the dedicated and inspirational staff and a parent management committee which is “committed to the pursuit of excellence” .

Janet Singleton, the lead inspector, found that the staff were highly competent and well-qualified, the children made extremely rapid progress across all areas of learning and planning and assessment was highly robust, precise and sharply focused.

She also praised the inspirational leadership and the superb partnership between parents and the playgroup.

"Children are secure, their confidence and self-esteem is superbly promoted and they are prepared for their next stage in their learning," said Ms Singleton.

The playgroup currently has 39 children on its roll, whose ages vary from two to four, and at its previous inspection in 2009 was rated as good.

Playgroup manager Judith Robinson said: "We are absolutely delighted with the report – it is a credit to the staff team, children and parents."

And Nichola Pearce, chairman of the parent management committee, added: “Non-profit charity settings such as ours are diminishing in number, so the outstanding judgement is even more valuable to us.

"It is testament to the hard work of the staff team who provide high quality care and education for every child and to the passion and enthusiasm shown by the current, and past, parent management committee who voluntarily offer their time and expertise to govern the pre-school playgroup.

"We are thrilled with the judgement and aim to continue our good work to retain this special resource for our local community.”