A BASINGSTOKE nursery has been given top marks after an inspection from Ofsted.

Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) Nursery, based in Worting Road, has been given ‘Outstanding’ by the education inspection service, for the third time in a row.

Since 2012, the BCoT-based childcare setting has received ‘Outstanding’ in all areas, with effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; and outcomes for children all being given the rating.

Nursery manager Rebecca Pickles said: “We are very proud to receive our third ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted, showing we have maintained our impeccable standards for the last six years. The focus here is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the babies and children in our care. We want parents to be assured that their children are being looked after to the very highest standards, in a setting where they can progress happily, becoming enthusiastic, self-motivated, confident and highly independent learners, well prepared for the skills they need for school.”

The report praised Mrs Pickles’ management. In the report it read: “Leaders have very high aspirations for the Nursery. The staff share their enthusiasm and are inspired to be the best that they can possibly be, for the benefit of the children who attend the Nursery.”

The quality of teaching, learning and assessment were also acknowledged as ‘Outstanding’ with staff supporting all children’s learning exceptionally well. The report added: “All children at the Nursery make excellent progress from their starting points with leaders meticulously monitoring the progress of every child.”

BCoT principal, Anthony Bravo, said: “I am very proud that the same standards of quality, safety and learning outcomes, which apply throughout the entire BCoT offer, have once again impressed the inspectors.” at Ofsted. These are the hallmarks of a BCoT education and whether it’s for pre-school children, teenagers or adults we want every learner to always experience this benchmark of excellence.”

The BCoT Nursery offers full and part-time care for children aged 3 months to pre-school. A number of parents from Basingstoke and the local area, together with BCoT staff and students, utilise the nursery for childcare. It also provides a training setting for childcare and early years’ students who spend time in the Nursery for work experience.