ARMED with weaved baskets and smiles on their faces, Winchester tots were on the hunt for chocolate at a special Easter-themed fundraiser.

All Saints pre-schoolers ran around their sunlit garden with painted faces to try and find hidden sweet treasures in every nook and crook, cheered on by supportive parents.

They scaled their climbing frame, dug deep into the sandpit and rummaged through toy boxes trying to find egg-shaped clues which led them to a chocolaty prize.

Becca Jones, chair of the parents’ committee, said: “It’s about getting the parents involved in the kids’ learning journeys and for some fun. We’re also fund-raising for the outside area of the school.”

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They hoped to raise £150 of their £2,000 overall target to level off a quiet area at the rear of the church hall. It will also be used as a herb garden to stimulate sensory learning.

There will also be an awning backing onto the Highcliffe hall to provide shade during the warmer weather.

“We’d love to do reach that target by the summer so we can do the work over the summer holidays,” Ms Jones added. “Highcliffe’s a somewhat deprived area in Winchester so we’re doing all we can to fund raise for a very supportive, friendly and fun preschool.”

The school was recently awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by Ofsted inspectors.

Ms Jones said: “It’s done amazingly well considering the lack of resources it has. As a pack-away preschool in a deprived area, to get ‘outstanding’ really is a rare achievement.”

Manager Juliet Evans said the outdoor area development was recommended by their Ofsed inspector.

It is hoped the work will increase the school’s Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale as well as improve the facilities for its 26 children – it’s intake in the new school year.

Chronicle photos by Chris Moorhouse