A "NURTURING" nursery where children learn, play and develop has been given the best rating by education watchdogs.

Bright Horizons Day Nursery and Preschool in Fair Oak has been rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.

The nursery on Winchester Road was rated 'Outstanding' in all four categories according to the report which was published on January 5.

The setting offers full day care for children up to four years old and was caring for 106 children at the time of the inspection.

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Inspectors found that the manager and staff "work exceptionally well" as a team.

The report states that the team precisely plans the curriculum and uses their observations and assessments to target children's next steps for learning.

They also identify children's specific needs and inspectors described the quality of teaching as "outstanding".

Staff implement children's educational plans meticulously, with the support of the special educational needs coordinator, the report says.

Inspectors noted that recent well-being initiatives have been "exceptionally well received" by staff.

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In turn, staff prioritise children's sense of well-being.

Inspectors said that children have "excellent" opportunities to build on their learning outside and develop healthy lifestyles.

They added that children "relish the healthy meals cooked on site and eagerly use the outside area".

The report said: "Children's interests, in all rooms, are effectively incorporated into activities to encourage their sustained involvement.

"Toddlers display their eagerness to learn, such as constructing with wet sand, doing creative activities and imaginative play.

"Older children enjoy splashing in puddles and staff use this activity to build on their interests in the weather and their problem-solving skills."

Inspectors added that the "nurturing environment and staff" encourage children to try new skills. 

The report highlighted that children of all ages "show beaming smiles when staff share how well they have achieved a task or tried".

As the children progress through the nursery, staff meticulously work with each other and parents to ensure a smooth transition between rooms.

Parents state how appreciative they are of staff and the information they receive about their children daily. 

Nursery manager Clare Ashton said: “Every child deserves the best start in life, and we look to do that here, along with nurturing a lifelong love of learning.

“We are over the moon to receive an Outstanding grade from Ofsted. It reflects all the hard work and dedication that our team put in each and every day.”