A RUNCORN playgroup is one of the best in England, and that’s official.

Holy Spirit Pre-school in Halton Brook is the first in Halton to take part in the early childhood environmental rating scales (ECERS) audit and came out with top marks of 6.33 out of 7.

Manager Janet Brewer, said: “I am really proud of this achievement.

“I would like to thank all my staff for their hard work and commitment and the parents and carers who have supported us throughout the years.”

Janet and her deputy, Jo Galloway, started helping as volunteer mums, 20 years ago.

They have since qualified and now look after 52 children, aged two to five, with their dedicated team.

Janet added: “We’re right in the heart of the community. Parents who came here are now coming back with their children. “Everyone who visits us says what hits them when they come in is the atmosphere.

“We interact well with parents and get to know each child and their family.”

Dads had their legs waxed one Saturday to treat the children to a trip to a farm.

Janet added: “Our links with fathers are really good. We also include grandparents as we reach out to the whole family.

“Each child has their own plan and we work on that with their parents.

“Every child has the potential to reach their individual needs.”

The Pre-school opened 27 years ago.

Fiona Kirby, Halton’s early years adviser, said: “Halton is committed to raising the quality of early years’ provision throughout the authority.”