A SOUTHAMPTON pre-school where children are “free to express themselves as they choose” has been praised in a recent watchdog report.

Sunshine Pre-School and Day Nursery in Thornbury Avenue has been awarded an overall Good rating following an Ofsted inspection on April 25.

All four categories inspected by the team were rated Good in the report.

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Inspectors described the pre-school as a place where children are happy and settled and where children behave well.

Children are said to make good progress in their learning and development and are kind and caring towards one another.

Staff were found to have high expectations of the children and challenge the children’s physical skills regularly.

The manager and staff have an excellent knowledge of their children and their families and have a good understanding of what children know and can do.

Parents told inspectors staff inspire children to be who they want to be.

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Inspectors noted that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make progress.

Children who speak English as an additional language are made to feel very welcome.

However, inspectors noted that the early years provision could be improved by strengthening the staff’s ability to use consistent and effective techniques to develop children's communication and language skills.

The pre-school should also aim to develop staff's knowledge further about how to support and engage children with SEND.

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