FOLLOWING a 'nervous' seven hour inspection, Ruardean Acorns Pre-School are celebrating an 'outstanding' grading in a recent report by the government education watchdog Ofsted.

The surprise inspection was carried out last month and resulted in the school being graded as 'outstanding' in all the catagories that they were tested for.

Among her comments, the Ofsted inspector noted:

"The quality of teaching is consistently of a high quality."

"Staff complete high-quality observations and assessments."

"The environment is highly stimulating"

"There are strong relationships with parents and carers."

"There is a strong emphasis on professional development for all staff."

"Children are safe."

"The leadership is inspirational."

"The staff are highly motivated."

"Management implements robust procedures to monitor children's progress."

"Children settle quickly into the environment."

"The management and staff fully understand their roles and responsibilities."

"Children enjoy developing early writing skills."

"Children gain valuable skills for their eventual move to school."

"Children enjoy being able to develop their independence."

"Children understand about keeping themselves safe."

"Children are very well behaved."

This is the second time that the school has been praised by Ofsted, having received a similar report following another inspection back in 2009

Carol Beard, manager of the school, said "We are overjoyed with the outcome of our recent inspection.