An "Outstanding" preschool where children behave "extremely well" has been given the top rating by Ofsted.

Busy Bee Preschool on Marlborough Road was praised by the watchdog following an inspection on December 14.

The Shirley preschool was rated ‘outstanding’ on all categories - quality of education, behaviour and attitude, personal development and leadership and management.

The report says staff place a “strong focus on children’s happiness”.

The school has “high expectations” and children understand the rules and as a result “behave extremely well”.

The report said: “They enthusiastically support children's very unique care and learning needs. Practitioners create wonderful opportunities for children to develop their physical skills outdoors.

“For example, they create an environment for children to practise balancing on stilts or beams."

READ MORE: Pre-school 'really proud' to receive second 'Outstanding' Ofsted

'Children flourish'

Children take part in music lessons led by trained practitioners and “flourish in a language-rich environment”.

Children with special needs make good progress, the report said.

It adds: “Small, focussed language groups help individuals to develop their communication skills at an appropriate pace.

“As a result, all children including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make exceptional progress from their starting points.”

The report praises the "inspirational" leadership team who “continuously strives to make improvements to the preschool”.

“All practitioners, from the leadership team down, embark on continuous training to develop their skills, qualifications and knowledge.

“Determined practitioners are keen to meet the children's needs.”

'We are so pleased'

The owner and manager of the preschool, Tina Yeates, said the team is "so pleased" with the outcome adding that staff "always aim to be the best we can be and give the children the best possible start in their early years".

She said: "The commitment, passion and dedication of the staff has been recognised throughout the report and demonstrates how this leads to the best outcomes for the children in our care.

"I can't thank the staff enough for what they do every day to ensure the children are happy and well cared for while developing new skills and learning about the world around them.

"We will continue to work hard to provide the best care and opportunities for the children and their families."