A nursery has retained its top ‘Outstanding’ designation with Ofsted for the third inspection in a row.

School House Nursery on Stoney Lane, Kelsall, was visited by inspector Mary Henderson who found all main aspects to be outstanding as well as the overall provision for early years youngsters.

The privately-owned nursery, registered in 2004, operates from the old school house adjacent to Delamere Primary School.

It has seven members of childcare staff and opens from Monday to Friday all year round.

There are 37 children on roll.

Aspects considered by the inspector included observing teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessing the effect this had on children’s learning, examining documents and speaking to staff and parents.

She took account of the views of both parents and children.

'Exceptionally well monitored'

The inspector describes provider Michelle McMaster as ‘very well qualified’ and found she ‘consistently makes sure that the educational programmes for children are exceptionally well monitored over time’.

Staff seek information from parents before children begin at the nursery ensuring their learning and development is rapid.

Everyone gives high priority to the children’s learning and all staff have high expectations for all the children in their care.

Partnerships with parents are excellent and staff inspire them to be confident in their ability to support their youngsters’ learning at home.

Parents have free access to children’s learning and development files which keeps them ‘exceptionally well updated’ about their child’s progress over time.

Partnerships with other providers and professionals are said to be ‘superb’ with a comprehensive two-way exchange of information about each child.

The staff are in regular discussions with the local schools and the children’s readiness for school is ‘exceptionally well supported’.

'Meticulous' staff

They are ‘very caring’ and children settle in quickly at the nursery.

Staff complete meticulous observations as the children play, making sure the next steps in their development are skilfully identified and regularly shared with parents.

The youngsters have an excellent understanding of the importance of good manners and all of them make excellent progress.

A strong emphasis on providing purposeful play and other activities enhances all aspects of the children’s learning.

To improve even further the inspector suggested the nursery should continue to enhance teaching skills as far as possible and maintain the ‘excellent outcomes’ achieved for all the children.

The nursery celebrated its success on World Book Day.

Children and staff dressed as their favourite book character and the youngsters enjoyed bouncing around on the bouncy castle.