Gift of report after 25 years at school

Margaret Harris began working at Moor Hill Primary School in Cannock 25 years ago, and 10 years ago was given the task of launching a pre-school at the site.

A decade after her secondment Mrs Harris is still managing Moor Hill Pre-school, and a recent visit from education inspectors revealed how much her hard work has paid off.

"The pre-school has been described as outstanding," she said. "It's absolutely fantastic, everybody was just on a high. It's extra special for me because it's my 25th year with Moor Hill."

And Mrs Harris said she has no intention of leaving her position at the pre-school to return to the primary school. "I'm 57 this year so I'll be retiring in a few years time," she said.

"I'm really proud of the pre-school, it's been really successful and I've watched it go from catering for 24 children to now taking in 104 children every day."

A glowing Ofsted report praised the "highly effective" management at the pre-school, and added that "children enjoy life and settle well".

It said: "Each child and family is treated with respect. Children's individual care, welfare, learning and development needs are well met by a dedicated staff team and highly effective management. Outstanding leadership and management are at the heart of the success of this setting."

Mrs Harris said an after-school club and a holiday club at Moor Hill had played a part in its success.

"The clubs are really popular," she said. We just have a fantastic atmosphere here at Moor Hill."

The Ofsted report said youngsters were flourishing in the pre-school.

It added: "There is an excellent focus on children's care, nurture and well-being. "Children follow very good hygiene routines and know why their have to wash their hands before tuck time. Children are extremely settled, very happy, self-assured and absorbed in their activities; this is due to the care and dedication of the staff team."