A rural pre-school which garnered national attention when it was branded 'inadequate' by an education watchdog has turned its fortunes around.

Diss Mercury: Staff and committee members of Little Star Nursery in Scole, which has now been awarded a good Ofsted. Chairman Sarah Last. Picture: SONYA DUNCANStaff and committee members of Little Star Nursery in Scole, which has now been awarded a good Ofsted. Chairman Sarah Last. Picture: SONYA DUNCAN (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Little Stars Pre-school in Ransome Avenue, Scole has been rated 'good' across the board by Ofsted just over a year after it was threatened with closure.

The school's new chairman Sarah Last, who took the helm in September, said: 'We have worked extremely hard since September to turn it around.

'We have also adopted a new safeguarding officer who used to be a police officer.

'She is a fabulous attribute to have on our committee and we look forward to working closely with her.'

Diss Mercury: Staff and committee members of Little Star Nursery in Scole, which has now been awarded a good Ofsted. Picture: SONYA DUNCANStaff and committee members of Little Star Nursery in Scole, which has now been awarded a good Ofsted. Picture: SONYA DUNCAN (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

The nursery, formerly known as Scole Pre-school, was slammed by inspectors in November 2016 for a litany of problems that included issues with leadership and child welfare.

This marked a decline from its previous 'requires improvement' score from Ofsted and Ms Last described the latest inspection as 'do or die' for the pre-school.

'Safety was never an issue and nor was the teaching,' said the chairman.

'The committee who were working at the time were new to the role and didn't have all of the correct paperwork in order.'

Ofsted inspectors have now declared Little Stars has 'made many effective improvements to the indoor and outdoor environment and to promote childen's enthusiasm for learning'.

The pre-school has also employed an almost entirely new roster of staff, including two level-six teachers led by Amanda Cooper who has more than two decades of experience under her belt.

She said: 'The transformation began in the summer of 2017 with the introduction of an interactive enclosed outdoor area and mud kitchen.

'In the spacious hall there are now clearly defined areas, easily accessible to enable childrens' independent learning.'

In previous inspections the pre-school showed 'significant weaknesses' with its staff not being aware of the risks associated with extremism which have now been completely resolved.

Ms Last added: 'It just goes to show how hard work, dedication and a good working relationships by all involved has paid off.'

Little Stars Pre-school currently has spaces available for children aged two to five years.

For more information, email littlestars.preschool@outlook.com