Chawton Pre-School retained its ‘good’ overall rating in its latest Ofsted inspection on November 1.

It was also rated ‘good’ in all four categories – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Inspector Loretta Murphy said: “Children settle quickly in this warm and welcoming pre-school. They happily enter the setting, full of excitement and motivated to learn. Staff have high expectations for all children. They know them well and plan a wide range of activities they know children will enjoy.”

The pre-school is based in Chawton Village Hall – but the children have a fruit and vegetable plot, and get out and about in Chawton, walking in the woods, exploring Chawton House, holding their sports day on the cricket field and using the library at Chawton CE Primary School.

Sponsorship has been given by two local businesses, property professional Charles Henry and Brant Self Storage.

A parent said: “Following the pandemic it felt like a significant decision, choosing a pre-school for our daughter.

“She had been impacted socially, being disconnected from friends, family and the usual baby and toddler groups, but when we found Chawton Pre-School we did not look back.”

The pre-school is holding an open day on Monday, from 10am to midday.