PUPILS have graduated from Bowes Pre-School in traditional garb as teachers and parents celebrated an outstanding Ofsted report.

The pre-school pupils donned graduation caps and gowns last week to mark their moving on to primary school.

Sherren Coltman, pre-school manager, said: “This is the third year we have held graduation ceremonies and it’s always a very overwhelming and proud moment for us.

“One of the pupils graduating has been with us for three and a half years.

“I’m sad to see them go, but I’m happy that they’re happy and confident to move onto bigger things.”

Twenty children attend the pre-school, aged from 18 months to five years.

The pre-school, in Bowes, near Barnard Castle, was awarded outstanding status from Ofsted following their latest inspection on July 3 this year.

Mrs Coltman added: “We are the only school in the area to be given outstanding status and it’s amazing. I am so proud.”

The Ofsted report said that staff at Bowes preschool are extremely warm, caring and nurturing and are dedicated to providing the best care for children.

Adding: “Consequently, children are very settled, happy and grow in confidence.

“The quality of teaching is exemplary, staff use their expertise to provide children with an educational programme that is extremely challenging, exciting and worthy of disseminating to others.

“As a result, children make rapid progress in their learning and development.”