THE children and staff at the Beehive Montessori Nursery in Shalden have been buzzing with excitement as a result of an “outstanding” Ofsted inspection.

Due to celebrate its 25th anniversary in September, the Beehive has been owned and run by Jan Driver and Annette Eyre since 2007 and has built strong ties with families and the village community.

In their report, the Ofsted inspectors wrote: “Teaching is outstanding and the drive to improve outcomes is strongly embedded.”

As well as an outstanding Ofsted report, the children at the Beehive have plenty more to celebrate having taken part in the Barnardo’s Big Toddle which raised £400 for vulnerable children.

This year’s pirate theme saw all the children dress up in their nautical costumes and participate in a sponsored walk through fields and woodland from Shalden to Avenue Nurseries at Lasham.

The children were given maps to follow and a fun quiz meant that they had to look out for the hidden pirates on their journey, resulting in gold medals at the finish.

After the medal presentation, activities included singing songs, playing games and making an enormous pirate out of twigs, branches and leaves collected by the children.

There was even an opportunity to ‘walk the plank’ before enjoying a hot lunch supplied by the staff at Avenue Nurseries Garden Centre.

One mum said: “Our children are so lucky to have such wonderful experiences, teaching our children values such as helping others while having lots of fun in the open air.”