A playgroup manager has helped earn a pre-school setting an all round good rating from Ofsted thanks to her being passionate about her work.

Little Thetford Acorns Pre School and Children’s Club has been called calm and friendly where staff know children well and youngsters make good progress.

Tracey Dawson, Ofsted inspector, said: “The manager is passionate about her role.

“She leads by example and works with the children every day, successfully modelling good practice.

“Staff work with enthusiasm and build positive relationships with parents, children and other professionals.

“When children arrive they are keen to learn and participate.

“Children make good progress during their time at the pre school.

“They learn how to care for animals. Fort example they take turns holding and feeding the pre school’s guinea pigs.”

The setting registered in 2010 and has 25 children aged from two to four.

Ms Dawson said the manager leads a “dedicated staff that works to improve outcomes for children” and that “staff morale is high.”

“Staff have developed warm, trusting relationships between themselves and the children.

“This helps children to develop a strong sense of emotional well being.

“Staff have developed strong partnerships with parents. They make plenty of time to discuss children’ achievements and provide parents with good support for children’s development at home.”

To become outstanding, Ms Dawson’s report for Ofsted said that staff need to make the most of their interactions with children to develop their thinking skills as they play.

They also need to gather more detailed information from parents about what children already know before they start at Little Thetford Acorns.