An 'inspirational' village pre-school has swept the board in its latest watchdog inspection, securing a glowing grade in all categories.

Eastern Daily Press: Hugo Campbell, three, enjoying playing at Cringleford Crackerjacks Preschool which has had an outstanding Ofsted across the board. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYHugo Campbell, three, enjoying playing at Cringleford Crackerjacks Preschool which has had an outstanding Ofsted across the board. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Crackerjacks Pre-school, in Cringleford, was rated outstanding by Ofsted inspectors in all four categories after a visit in December.

Special praise was given to 'inspirational leader' and manager Karen Latoy, who inspectors said has the 'highest expectations' of children and 'radiates her passion, enthusiasm and high expectations'.

Eastern Daily Press: Children enjoying dancing at Cringleford Crackerjacks Preschool which has had an outstanding Ofsted across the board. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYChildren enjoying dancing at Cringleford Crackerjacks Preschool which has had an outstanding Ofsted across the board. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Inspectors said that 'children learn in inspirational ways', make 'extremely high rates of progress' and are taught the importance of valuing others.

'Staff discuss children who are absent from the setting to ensure they are included in children's thoughts,' they found.

Eastern Daily Press: Key worker Katie Stapleford reads to three-year-olds James Lee and Edie Burrows at Cringleford Crackerjacks Preschool which has had an outstanding Ofsted across the board. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYKey worker Katie Stapleford reads to three-year-olds James Lee and Edie Burrows at Cringleford Crackerjacks Preschool which has had an outstanding Ofsted across the board. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

'Children identify that it is nice to smile at others to make them feel happy and offer to do this for a child who needs reassurance.'

In regards to safeguarding, staff are 'extremely vigilant' and 'rigorously check' all aspects of the provision to minimise risks, the report says.

To improve, inspectors said the pre-school, which was rated good in 2013, should 'build on the current robust system' for checking the progress that groups of children make.

Mrs Latoy, who has worked at Crackerjacks for about 10 years and was appointed manager in September 2015, said: 'I thought that we were doing quite well, but you never know on the day so I was just really pleased.

'It's down to lots of hard work and a really good team.'

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