Ofsted has praised a pre-school near Helston for being "warm and caring" where children "thrive", on its first inspection at its new building.

Wendron Pre-school was rated 'good' overall, as well as in all four of the key inspection areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

The pre-school was registered in 1992 and was previously based below Trewennack Chapel, but moved to purpose-built premises in the grounds of Wendron Primary School in 2018.

An inspection carried out at the start of June found: "Children thrive in this warm and caring pre-school. Children feel safe to explore and ask for help when needed. They know that the adults care for and value them.

"All children make good progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This is because there is a well-sequenced and carefully planned curriculum.

"Knowledgeable staff offer activities that engage and interest children. For example, a group of pre-school children play 'cafes' in the role play area. They share stories about trips to the beach as they serve pretend drinks and meals.

"Some attempt letters in their names. Adults encourage children to keep focused and offer praise as children have a go."

The inspector found that that the children at the pre-school become confident "because they know what they can do, as adults praise their achievements."

They are described as well behaved and very engaged in learning, "excitedly joining in all activities, including movement and dance sessions."

"They happily follow instructions, laughing as they move. Children respect the adults and their environment. They follow the routine gladly, excited for the next part of the day," added the inspector.

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Things that the pre-school was found to do particularly well on were language skills, thanks to the skills of the staff, a "deep understanding" of numbers, and the ability to explore nature and the local environment by finding bugs and grow vegetables and herbs, which they then taste.

Staff are said to "really support children" to understand why healthy lifestyles are important, have "very effective partnerships with children's parents" by regularly sharing their progress, and the children regularly attend activities at the neighbouring primary school, so when they move on to school they are very familiar with the school and staff.

Manager Julia Pascoe is described as "very reflective and constantly strives to improve the pre-school, environment and the outcomes for all children."

The inspector said: "She mentors the team really well and ensures that everyone feels valued and supported. The manager identifies areas for training and encourages adults to attend courses to continuously improve their practice and children's achievements."

All staff – deputy manager Lisa Dark, Sonia Wood, Nicola Lane and Jennie Sowden, alongside Julia – are said to have a "very robust knowledge" of how to keep children safe from harm.

To improve further, the inspector said the pre-school must develop children's understanding of different countries and ways of life even further, and offer more opportunities for children – particularly the most able children – to problem-solve and think critically.

Pre-school manager Julia Pascoe said: "We're delighted to get a 'good' after a difficult two years due to Covid.

"We're very proud of our children, who will go on to great things, and would like to say thank you to everyone for their continued support."

Funded and unfunded places are available from September, for children aged two and a half to four.