A NEW forest school in Grappenhall has received a glowing report from Ofsted after inspectors praised ‘inspirational’ staff and children’s rapid progress at the centre.

The Nest in the Woods pre school, based in the scout hut on Church Lane, received the highest Ofsted rating, outstanding.

Inspector Kellie Lever congratulated the centre’s ‘exceptional’ staff and said: “The manager is an inspirational leader. She has an incredible knowledge of child development and is highly skilled.

“She shares her expertise and helps to inspire teachers to understand the benefits of outdoor learning.”

The centre was also praised for its excellent relationships with schools and for posting photographs on social media throughout the day of children catching bugs, making mud cakes and having picnics to keep parents updated.

Youngsters quickly develop essential skills at the school according to inspectors, who said: “Children have wonderful experiences that cover all the areas of learning.

“They learn challenging mathematical concepts. For example, children operate scales and weigh how many berries they will need to make jam.

“They have access to maps of the area and have daily walks to the woodlands. They have exceptional self-esteem and learn exemplary life and survival skills.”

Nest in the Woods manager Sally Cliffe said: “I am thrilled at our outstanding outcome, it’s a massive achievement for a new small business only a year on.

“I have an amazing dedicated staff team who I am immensely proud of. Ofsted came with us on our daily adventure to the woods and left us with a smile on our faces.”

The pre school also runs holiday clubs and forest school sessions.