AN 'extremely welcoming and friendly' pre-school in Weymouth is celebrating after it received an 'outstanding' rating in a recent Ofsted inspection.

Humptys House pre-school and Kool Kids after school club, which is based on the premises of Southill Primary School on Sycamore Road, scored top marks across the board in the inspection which was carried out on Wednesday, February 8.

In its report, Ofsted said: "Children's behaviour is exemplary. They understand the expected behaviours and follow all boundaries. They happily join in with the daily routines.

"Children show respect for staff and each other. They show this by the attentive way they listen and respond to stories and instructions.

"Children play wonderfully together. They independently use a sand timer to help them take turns and share toys and equipment. They say, 'when the sand runs out it's your turn.'"

Inspectors described staff at the school as 'highly knowledgeable' which in turn enables children to make good progress with their learning.

It also remarked that parents were 'extremely positive' about the support that is provided for their children.

The report also revealed that safeguarding measures at the pre-school were effective, stating that: "Children's safety and well-being is prioritised by all staff. Staff receive regular training to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of child protection."

Vikki Porter, proprietor at the pre-school, said: "We hoped we would get good but we were overwhelmed to get that (outstanding).

"I have worked here since 2004 but only took over ownership in April 2020 two weeks into lockdown. At the time everything when was agreed and signed, we didn't know what Covid was.

"We got thrown in at the deep end and we weren't entitled to any government financial help because I hadn't had the business long enough.

"We have spent the last couple of years with lots of planning, tweaking things, training and trying to do everything to be as Ofsted ready as we could.

"Our main focus when children walk through the door before we move onto anything else they need to feel safe and be happy.

"I'd like to thank my staff, without my staff we wouldn't have achieved it.

"We have an amazing team of staff so thanks to them."