A pre-school has overcome tragedy and financial hardship to achieve a glowing Ofsted report.

In the past year, ABC Pre-School in Tydd St Giles has had to come to terms with the death of two committee members, including former chairman Shiela Long.

They have also had to deal with a chronic lack of funds which meant they could not afford basic resources such as batteries for toys or glue.

But pre-school manager Hollie Garrod, who has only been in the role since November, her staff and the governors have worked tirelessly to earn a “good” Ofsted rating, an improvement on its previous “satisfactory” rating.

Inspector Deborah Hunt said: “Leadership and management of the pre-school is insightful and in a very short time the new manager has achieved highly positive results. Safeguarding is a priority consideration and children’s welfare is protected.

“Children with special educational needs or disabilities and very young children receive sensitive, nurturing care and make rapid progress in their learning and development from their initial starting points.

“Teaching within the pre-school is good. Children make rapid progress in their development as practitioners offer them individualised learning through activities that follow their interests and ignite their love of learning.

“Practitioners are warm, responsive and interactive with children. They skilfully encourage their growing independence. Children develop strong bonds with them and feel safe and secure in their presence.”

Mrs Garrod was thrilled with the “good” rating, which entitles them to more funding and opens up the possibility of the centre extending its opening hours by two hours each day.

She said: “In the past year we have had to overcome many issues which we were not prepared for.

“Our funds had also become extremely low putting a lot of strain on the committee and staff alike as basic resources such as batteries for toys and glue could not be purchased.

“We have however, through hard work, pulled through and turned the place around.

“We have built links with the primary school and got grants which mean we have been able to buy gardening equipment, arts and crafts equipment and build a role play area.”

The pre-school still has spaces for its September intake. For more information call 01945 871360