ORGANISERS of a Trimley pre-school are thrilled after the group passed its government inspection with flying colours.The First Stop Pre-school received judgements of "very good" from its Ofsted inspection in all six learning areas.

ORGANISERS of a Trimley pre-school are thrilled after the group passed its government inspection with flying colours.

The First Stop Pre-school received judgements of "very good" from its Ofsted inspection in all six learning areas.

The report commented on the excellent relationships staff build with both the children and their parents, and staff were praised for the high standards for health, hygiene and safety.

Parents questioned by the Ofsted Inspector said they were happy with the standard of care and education their children received from the staff, who they described as friendly and approachable.

The outcome of the report stated the pre-school - based in a building at Trimley St Mary Primary School - is of high quality with no significant weaknesses. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals.

Pre-school administrator Tracey Hunter said the trustees, committee and staff were thrilled with the report.

"The pre-school has come a long way since it first started back in 1982, originally holding its sessions on a double decker bus, before moving into its present premises in 1986." said Mrs Hunter.

"It is currently trying to raise money for a proposed extension to the building which will provide toilet facilities and easy access for the disabled, along with the extra space to be able to provide a further 40 sessions, to ease its waiting list."

The pre-school, which has more than 60 youngsters, celebrated its 21st anniversary last year with a day of special activities for the children, all centred on the milestone birthday.

It was founded at a time when hundreds of young families moved to Trimley St Mary with the creation of the huge Farmlands estate. The builders gave the group their old hut when they finished the estate in 1986 and today this is still its home in High Road.

The pre-school has an ongoing battle to raise funds for equipment and relies on "parent power" - especially those talented in decorating and repairs - to keep its building in good order.

Now it is trying to raise £24,000 to build an L-shaped extension to its HQ to cater for special needs children and to have proper facilities for youngsters suffering disabilities.