Sarah Bilson, pre-school manager, said the school has been ‘working tirelessly’ since the last Ofsted inspection to improve on its ‘Good’ rating.

Staff from Stockland and Yarcombe Pre-school are celebrating after the school received an ‘oustanding’ rating following a visit from Ofsted.

Sarah Bilson, pre-school manager, said the school has been ‘working tirelessly’ since the last inspection, in 2010, to improve on its ‘Good’ result.

She added: “We have a strong team of dedicated staff and committee volunteers and I am thrilled that all the hard work and dedication has paid off.”

The pre-school, which is based in the village hall in Stockland has recently benefited from the addition of a new garden.

The garden has been used by the children to explore the natural environment, plant vegetables and flowers and indulge in some muddy fun.

The pre-school also puts on visits to the Donkey Sanctuary, near Sidmouth every two weeks, where the children can play, meet the animals and ride the donkeys.

It takes children from the age of two to five years old, when they start primary school.

There is also a baby and toddler group in Stockland village hall every Friday morning, from 10am until noon, which is run by the pre-school and led by the toddlers’ parents.

For more information about Stockland and Yarcombe Pre-school, check out www.stocklandpreschool.co.uk or call 07890 347613.