A HAMPSHIRE pre-school is celebrating an “outstanding” achievement.

West End Pre-School was given the top rating by Ofsted inspectors, judged to be “outstanding” in all four key categories.

Inspectors praised the effectiveness of the leadership and management, the quality of teaching and learning, the personal development and behaviour and the outcomes for children.

Staff members at the pre-school based in Hilldene Annexe have also been described as “outstanding role models”.

In the official report issued by Ofsted, inspectors said: “The management team has an uncompromising commitment to achieving excellence in all areas. Staff benefit greatly from frequent professional development opportunities, which contribute to all children making rapid progress in their learning. Staff work closely in partnership with parents and professionals to ensure they meet children’s individual needs to a very high standard.”

They also praised the way staff members work with children who are learning English as an additional language.

And added: “Staff support children learning English as an additional language expertly. For example, they use children’s home language alongside English words to help develop children’s understanding further.”

Inspectors said the staff should continue to extend their professional development “to build on and maintain the already superb teaching practices”.

Manager Lesley Hicks has been working at the pre-school since 2014.

She said: “I have been working in the early years sector for 22 years, and I am truly passionate about giving children an inspiring early years’ experience.

“Our brilliant staff put the wellbeing of children at the forefront of everything we do and work closely with parents to ensure each child’s individual needs are met.

“We are all extremely proud of our achievements and we thank our parents and families for their continued support.”