AN Ofsted inspector used the word 'excellent' more than 10 times in the summary of a school's performance.

Every aspect of educational provision for the under-fives at the Downs School, in Colwall, received glowing praise, in a recent report.

During his visit, inspector Dr John Turnock found the school to provide a stimulating and well-organised programme of activities for four-year-old children.

The result being that by the time they reach the age of five, the majority are likely to reach the desirable outcomes in the six areas of learning, he concluded.

According to his report, the school seemingly excels in every aspect of education, from personal and social development to language and literacy.

Programmes for mathematics, physical and creative development, and pupils' knowledge and understanding of the world are all 'excellent', while overall planning is 'very good'.

Elsewhere, Dr Turnock praises the quality of teaching, with staff working very well together as a team.

The partnership and relationship with parents was found to be 'very good overall' with mums and dads attending concerts, participating in educational visits, helping with swimming and encouraging reading at home.

One key area for action, however, is to extend the reading record system to include all the parents who have four-year-old children at the school.

The Downs School is an independent co-educational boarding and day preparatory school for girls and boys from the age of two-and-a-half to 13.

The inspection focused on the school's Early Years Department, looking at educational provision for three and four-year-olds.