CELEBRATION was in the air at a Hampshire preschool after scooping top marks in an inspection for the first time.

Sticky Fingers Preschool, based at Newlands Primary School in Windermere Avenue, Millbrook, was rated ‘outstanding’’ by Ofsted inspectors.

Inspectors praised staff for establishing routines and systems to help children become independent and motivated learners and encourage them to form positive relationships.

They also commented on the high standard of teaching and the way the manager and staff monitor children’s progress and reflect on preschool practices as they strive to improve the opportunities and experiences they provide for the children.

The report says: “The quality of teaching is outstanding. Staff balance child-led and adult-led activities, and make use of highlyeffective questioning to further children’s thinking and maintain their engagement. This allows children to make excellent progress in their learning and development.

“Children form exceptionally warm and secure attachments due to the fully embedded key person and buddy approach. This leads to extremely happy, secure and confident children.”

The preschool was previously known as Green Lane Playgroup, but were renamed after they moved from Green Lane to Newlands Primary School in 2000.

Since then it has grown and grown and in the last five years, managers have opened another two preschools nearby due to the high demand for places.

Sticky Fingers Preschool’s area manager Claire Tobin said: “The staff are incredibly dedicated to their work.

“The lead of the setting, Sarah Hooper, and I are always telling the staff they are outstanding and now we have the confirmation they deserve.

“I feel very proud having watched some of the staff who joined us as students grow and develop into outstanding practitioners.”

The preschool currently looks after 52 children aged two to four.