A PRE-SCHOOL that was targeted by arsonists has risen from the ashes to earn praise from Ofsted inspectors.

Thames Pre-School, in Cricklade, has been given a good Ofsted report with outstanding features after a recent visit from the Government inspectors.

It is the first inspection at the school since it was forced to temporarily close in July 2005 after arsonists destroyed two sheds and outdoor playground equipment.

Inspectors said the quality and standard of the school was good and the provision to help children achieve well and enjoy what they do was outstanding.

The report said: "The provision is outstanding. Children arrive at the pre-school extremely enthusiastic and excited to share their experiences with staff and their friends."

It added: "Children flourish as they independently choose from a wide range of activities that allow them to explore, investigate and become confident learners.

"Staff are skillful at interacting with children's play to maximise opportunities for learning and capitalising on opportunities to promote and develop children's spoken language."

The other areas that received a good rating included helping children to be healthy, protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe.

Mel Pearson, the pre-school leader, said: "We were absolutely thrilled at the outcome of the report.

"It was a very thorough inspection. The inspector interviewed the parents for quite a while as well, so to achieve this is just brilliant.

"It means so much more since this is our first report after the fire a few years ago.

"This just shows that we have landed right back on our feet and have gone one step further.

"It was quite a bad time for us when the fire happened. We had to move to temporary premises in the town hall but the community rallied around us and helped us out and we managed to sort things out.

"We have a strong relationship with the parents and they weren't surprised at all that we got this.

"It's a huge achievement and we're very proud.

"Now we just have to make sure that we have a repeat performance in the next report.

"After all, the benchmark has been set now."

Maggie Mobey, the deputy pre-school leader, added: "We're absolutely ecstatic at the result.

"We haven't stopped celebrating here since we got the report."