A PRE-SCHOOL has come on leaps and bounds after being rated inadequate at its last Ofsted inspection.

Youngsters attending Spring Lodge Pre-School, at Spring Lodge Community Centre, in Witham, are said to be "happy and eager" in the latest inspection report which saw the school receive an overall rating of good.

At the school's last inspection in 2019, watchdogs rated the school inadequate.

Now, inspector Alison Reeves says staff have improved in a number of areas.

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The report said: “Staff have improved the quality of their interactions with children since the last inspection.

“They talk to children during activities, asking questions to help children think and share their ideas.

“Staff help children to gain good personal and social skills. They have focused specifically on kindness.

“From this work, staff and parents say that they can see the improvement in children who are getting on better with others.

“Staff know the children well. They listen to what children have to say and are happy to hear their ideas and suggestions.

“Staff recognise children’s interests and use some focused activities to progress children’s learning."

However, the inspector still pointed out a few areas for improvement, including ensuring that equipment is ready for the children to use and help staff effectively promote the specific learning aims during planned activities.

At the time of the inspection the pre-school had 21 children.