Forward steps

Littleport s Stepping Stones Pre-School has received good marks from a Government inspector, who praised the quality and standard of care youngsters receive. Inspector Veronica Sharpe from Ofsted found that children progress well in all areas of learning

Littleport's Stepping Stones Pre-School has received good marks from a Government inspector, who praised the quality and standard of care youngsters receive.

Inspector Veronica Sharpe from Ofsted found that children progress well in all areas of learning and enjoy a balanced range of interesting activities.

Thirty-nine children attend the pre-school at The Regal Community Centre in Hempfield Road where they "make choices, develop their own interests and learn new skills", the inspector found.

"Staff know the children well and support them in their activities, skilfully knowing when to intervene and when to allow them to experiment," she said.

"Children behave well in the setting. They occupy themselves purposefully and help with practical tasks, such as tidying up.

"They show high levels of independence and cheerfully help each other."

The inspector found that the partnership with parents and carers was good.

"Leadership and management are good," said Ms Sharpe. "The manager has clear ideas on improvements and knows where they need to be made."