AN OUTSTANDING pre-school has been praised for creating an 'exceptionally nurturing and caring environment' for children.

Chollerton Pre-School, located at Chollerton First School in Barrasford, Hexham, was inspected by Ofsted officials in February.

Hexham Courant: Chollerton Pre-School pupils outside the school on World Book Day, with staff members Becky Gibson (L) and Caroline CoulsonChollerton Pre-School pupils outside the school on World Book Day, with staff members Becky Gibson (L) and Caroline Coulson (Image: Supplied)

It was rated outstanding in every area in its report, which was published on March 12. 

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The report said: "The highly skilled pre-school staff create an exceptionally nurturing and caring environment for children and their families. There is a strong focus on promoting emotional literacy for children. This includes staff spending time with them to talk about their feelings and helping them to recognise a range of emotions.

"There is a highly ambitious, broad and structured curriculum in place that helps to build children's knowledge in all areas of learning."

Hexham Courant: Chollerton Pre-School pupilsChollerton Pre-School pupils (Image: Supplied)

It praised efforts by staff to create 'exciting adventures' for the children, including using puppets and props to retell traditional fairytales.

"Children bake their own gingerbread man, and then discover that he has 'escaped' from the oven. Staff continue magical make-believe stories and bring these to life for children. This includes children using magnifying glasses to look around the environment and following the clues of flour prints the gingerbread man has left behind," the report said.

Hexham Courant: A Chollerton Pre-School pupilA Chollerton Pre-School pupil (Image: Supplied)

Becky Gibson, Chollerton Pre-School manager, said: "Following our recent Ofsted inspection we are delighted to receive outstanding in every area. As a team, we work hard and we are happy this has been reflected in the report. We are so lucky to have very supportive parents and children who enjoy coming to pre-school with a smile on their faces. It makes it a joy to come to work and see what adventures the children are going to take us on that day." 

A parent whose child attends the pre-school said: "As a parent whose child attends Chollerton Pre-School, I can confidently say that it's nothing short of amazing. From the moment we enrolled our little one, we were welcomed into a warm, nurturing environment where every child is valued and encouraged to thrive.

Hexham Courant: A Chollerton Pre-School pupil during playtimeA Chollerton Pre-School pupil during playtime (Image: Supplied)

"The staff members are dedicated professionals who truly care about the well-being and development of each child. The activities are thoughtfully designed to stimulate young minds and foster creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning. Plus, the outside facilities are incredible for providing a safe and stimulating space for our children to explore and grow.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the positive impact Chollerton Pre-School has had on my child's early years, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent seeking an exceptional early education experience for their little one."