A PRESCHOOL has been rated ‘outstanding’ in its first Ofsted inspection.

Jack and Jill Preschool in Bicester was inspected on June 21, with the report published a month later on July 21.

In the report, the inspector Amanda Perkin heaps praise on ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘passionate’ staff.

The preschool was marked ‘outstanding’ for its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

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The report states: “Children are superbly supported by attentive and knowledgeable staff.

“Staff enthusiastically join in children’s play.

“They understand when to skilfully intervene and provide each child with the optimal amount of challenge to extend their learning further.

“Staff have exceptionally high expectations of all children.

“They are passionate about providing the very best start for children and their families.

“All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are exceedingly well behaved.”

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The report praises the education children receive at the preschool, saying the youngsters are ‘well-prepared’ for starting school.

“Staff have first-rate knowledge of how young children learn,” the inspector wrote.

“The activities and experiences they provide match children’s needs precisely.

“Children consistently build on what they know, remember and can do throughout the preschool.

“All children, including those who speak English as an additional language, are very confident to talk and share their views.

“They are extremely well-prepared for the next stage in their learning, including starting school.”

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Staff at the Queens Avenue preschool were also praised for encouraging healthy food choices.

The report states: “Children’s welfare and personal development are central to everything practitioners do.

“Across the preschool, staff deliver consistent messages to help children understand how they can make healthy eating choices.

“This is evident through discussions with children, who recognise that fast food is not healthy.”

Preschool manager Rebecca Barker was also singled out for praise.

The report reads: “The inspirational manager shares her vision with the dedicated staff team.

“They continually reflect on and improve what they do, to meet the changing needs of the children and their families.

“The manager has an astoundingly detailed knowledge of the needs and priorities of the local area.

“She uses this knowledge extremely well to drive practice and to ensure that families receive the support they need.”

Ms Barker said: “It was really, really lovely to receive an outstanding report, it’s been a long time coming.

“It’s very much a team effort and I’m very proud of the team.

“Our job is to constantly improve so we will of course try and do that.”

The preschool re-registered in 2018 as a charitable incorporated organisation.

In April, outdoor toys – including scooters, footballs and hula hoops – were stolen from the preschool.

Equipment that was left behind was damaged and vandalised.