A Clayton-le-Moors forest director is “really pleased that their beneficial and unique form of education” is appreciated after retaining its "outstanding" Ofsted report.

Inspectors visited Great and Small Forest School on September 18 with the provider retaining its outstanding grade, which it also achieved in 2018.

In the report, Great and Small Forest School was rated outstanding in all areas and inspectors praised “the ambitious and rich curriculum” and the support which encourages children to be “inquisitive, curious and highly motivated learners”.

Victoria Cockley, who runs Great and Small Forest School, said: “We are really pleased to maintain the Ofsted outstanding. We know we are providing a really beneficial and unique form of education for children, and it is proven.

“The main things that we were particularly proud of it, that we put the children at the centre of everything we do, and we do.

“We have a superb understanding of what we want the children to learn and that is a big part of the forest school ethos.”

Run by Vicky, Matty Ravenscroft and Lauren Manley the centre was commended by the inspector who told them after her visit it was the most outstanding setting she had ever been too.

The Ofsted report said: “The provider puts children at the centre of everything they do at this exceptional outdoor setting.

"All staff have a superb understanding of what the provider wants children to learn.

“This is carefully planned and sequenced to build on what children already know, to extend and challenge their learning to the highest level.

“All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make superb progress from their starting points.

“Staff support children to be inquisitive, curious and highly motivated learners. Children show immense curiosity, ask lots of questions and are excited to learn new things. They explore their natural environment and search for signs of animals.”

It was also praised for the way that children applied previously learned facts in different contexts which demonstrated excellent teaching strategies.

Behaviour at the provider was also commended, with special note of the gentle guidance to support and regulate their emotions and behaviour.

Inspectors saw that children behaved impeccably and are developing skills they need for their next stage of learning.

The report added: “Children are immersed in a language-rich environment. Staff expertly use stories, songs and games to promote children's language. Children use a wide range of vocabulary in their play.

“Opportunities for physical play are immense across the spacious site. Children show high levels of stamina and strength as they run, climb and balance. Staff promote children's good health.

“Partnerships with parents are superb. They are kept fully informed of their children's progress through detailed daily handovers.

“Parents comment that the setting is an extension to their family and are safe in the knowledge their children are learning and cared for in such a unique environment.”

Staff well-being was extremely important to the provider and Vicky tailored her support, mentoring and monitoring of practice accordingly to each employee's individual needs.

 Safety was also paramount and they minimised hazards on the site effectively and encouraged children to have ongoing conversations with children about safety.