A north Norfolk pre-school where children are made to feel 'special' has been rated 'good' by Ofsted.
The Owl Playschool, in Holt, has retained its status - the second highest inspectors can award - after a recent visit from the education watchdog.
The Valley Lane playschool provides sessional day care for children aged from two to four years old.
Ofsted's report praised the playschool's seven members of childcare staff, who "create a wonderfully calm and welcoming start to the children's day".
The report said: "They greet children with individual care, making them feel special and nurtured. They hold children's hands and chat to them about their morning."
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Ofsted inspector Helen Oakden said the 28 children on the school roll "show excellent attitudes to learning".
She added: "They explore with confidence and become highly engrossed in new activities. Younger children are captivated by sensory activities."
The report also states that the curriculum is "well-planned" by the staff and based on children's interests who "make good progress" because staff and leaders monitor their learning and ensure support is in place.
The children are said to be "very happy" and to "demonstrate strong bonds with staff".
The report continues: "They show boundless affection to them throughout the day and delight in snuggling next to staff to hear stories.
"Staff treat all children with the utmost care and respect."
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The report said for these reasons "children are well prepared for the next stage of their learning".
Parents said their children are happy to attend the playschool and that staff are "kind and caring".
However, some parents say that they would benefit from more support with their children's learning at home, which Ofsted said the playschool could strengthen to extend children's learning.
Overall, The Owl Playschool was rated as 'good' across all areas of the inspection criteria.
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