A preschool is celebrating after being rated good during its first inspection.

Little Me Preschool, based at Archer Community Centre in Braintree, was opened by manager Lisa Smith almost two years ago.

Following an inspection by Ofsted on October 6, the preschool has been rated good in all areas.

Ms Smith said: “We started with six children and we are very inclusive to special needs and additional needs, I’m the special educational needs coordinator here.

“I have worked in childcare for 17 years, I did childminding then worked in settings as a manager and deputy.

“I found the Archer Community Centre and started from scratch.

“There is a good team of ladies here, the majority are Level 3 qualified and I have one working towards it.

“We work hard in every area, particular with boys to get them into literacy.”

Little Me, which accepts children age two to four, will celebrate its second birthday on January 6 and is now working towards achieving a rating of outstanding.

The report said: “The provider and staff team are ambitious and have a strong sense of purpose to bring about further improvements.

“They evaluate activities and have frequent meetings to reflect on their practice.

“Staff understand how young chilren learn. They plan a variety of challenging activities in tune with children’s enthusiasms and capabilities.

“All children make good progress, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who receive additional funding.”

Visit littlemepreschool.co.uk.