A PRE SCHOOL where children harvest potatoes grown from seeds and discuss the importance of saving the planet has been given glowing admiration by Ofsted.

Flitch Green Pre School in Little Dunmow received Outstanding ratings across the board as inspectors were full of praise.

The pre school looks after children from two to four, with 48 children on roll at the time of the inspection.

The report went into detail of the pre school’s environment, praising the activities children undertake.

It said: “Children excitedly arrive and are welcomed by exceptional, nurturing, and happy practitioners.

“Children show sustained levels of concentration as they persevere at chosen activities. For example, they rise to the challenge of putting on gardening gloves as they talk about 'harvesting' potatoes they have grown from seeds.

“Their communication skills are excellent. Children demonstrate a wide vocabulary and use words, such as 'environment' and 'recycling' as they tidy up after lunchtime.

“They share what they understand as they discuss the importance of sorting waste to save the planet.”

Inspectors also gave glowing reviews of staff, adding how parents speak exceptionally highly of the education and care their children receive.

They said: “The manager and her team have an excellent knowledge of the children attending.

“They have a comprehensive understanding of what the children can do and fully understand what they need to achieve next.

“The quality of teaching is pitched to the highest level and children excel in their development.

“The manager is extremely motivated and enthusiastic which is infectious and shared by her team.

“They work collaboratively and have a clear vision and drive to provide the highest quality care and education.

Owner Michelle Wisbey said: “This is the third Outstanding in a row for us now, meaning we have outstanding since the day we opened.

“The inspection went really well. It was during the heatwave so was extra difficult, but we did everything we normally do.

“Our whole ethos is about the child, they’re the centre, it is their nursery, not ours, and they really saw that.

“The staff work so hard, they are so committed and passionate and when they get outstanding, it really reaffirms what they’re doing it and why.

“It means a huge amount to all of us.”