A preschool has been rated outstanding by Ofsted.

The education watchdog praised Colne Engaine Preschool, based in the village’s hall, in Station Road, for the “excellent” progress children make.

Ofsted graded the preschool as “outstanding” in all the criteria it inspects against, including the effectiveness of the leadership, the quality of the teaching, the personal development of the children and the outcomes for them.

The preschool, which has four members of staff and 24 children in its care, had been rated “good” after the previous inspection in 2011.

The report, published last Friday into the inspection on December 1, reads: “Children are extremely happy and settled and their behaviour is exemplary. Staff are highly skilled and sensitive in helping all children form strong, trusting and secure emotional attachments.

“Strategies to develop children's language and communication are implemented extremely well. Skillful modelling and questioning by staff ensures outcomes for children in this area of learning are exceptionally strong.

“Partnerships with parents are outstanding. The manager and her team go above and beyond expectations to ensure parents are fully involved in the work of the pre-school.

“Parents are very positive about the pre-school and comment favourably about the excellent progress their children make.

“There is an exciting, stimulating, well-resourced and welcoming environment, both inside and outdoors.

“Staff have a comprehensive understanding of their role and responsibilities in protecting children from harm.”