A ‘delighted’ preschool has been given a boost after a positive report was published this month by Ofsted inspectors.

The education watchdog has praised The Secret Garden Nursery and Preschool and awarded it a good rating, having previously stated the children’s centre needed to make improvements.

The nursery, based at The Barns in Brinsea Road, was praised for its leadership, educational standards and for ensuring each child’s well-being was cared for.

Owner Stefanie Metcalfe said: “The inspector said she loved how our staff and management team help children to try to solve their own problems.

“We were all delighted by the commentary which recognises us as a very strong nursery.

“This reflects our Reggio Emilia approach, which focuses on the children and means we are committed to staff development.”

Last year the preschool was criticised by Ofsted and told to make changes.

One of the nursery’s employees had not undergone sufficient criminal checks when inspectors toured the premises in 2014.

At the time, the nursery said a ‘paperwork delay’ was the only reason why that had not been done. This time around inspectors were happy it was fully compliant with the necessary children safeguarding procedures.

Ms Metcalfe told the Times: “Our parents are delighted – we’ve all worked really hard and we’re really close to getting that outstanding rating.

“We need to keep progressing and supporting our staff to make sure we have got everything completely together.”

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