A WHITCHURCH nursery has been graded as “outstanding” by an education watchdog.

Ofsted visited The Oak Tree Nursery and Pre-School, in Bere Hill, in October, and a report published on November 8, said: “Children are enthusiastic, purposeful and imaginative learners. Staff take full account of every child’s developmental needs and interests. They plan the most interesting surroundings and stimulating, relevant activities, so that children relish learning.”

All areas of the nursery, which has 100 children on role, were judged to be “outstanding”.

The nursery opened in 2004, and is privately owned and housed in two single-storey purpose-built pavilion-style buildings within an acre of grounds.

Inspector Anneliese Fox-Jones said: “The owners, managers and staff team are passionate and committed to providing a high-quality service to children and their families.

“As a result leadership is strong, and at times inspirational, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education programmes in a safe environment.”

She added: “Children enjoy an extremely calm and caring atmosphere. They are busy and engage in a range of purposeful activities that support them in acquiring new skills for their future learning.

“They clearly enjoy attending nursery, as they enter happily and settle quickly. They eagerly choose what they want to do from the wide range of interesting and stimulating experiences provided.”

The nursery was praised for the way staff look after babies, and the report said: “Young babies receive warm, affectionate care from a familiar adult. They get cuddles and comfort when needed and are happy and settled in their environment.”

The report also highlighted the healthy meals and snacks, which are freshly prepared on site daily by the cook.

It added: “Children enjoy healthy meals, such as pork hotpot, with fresh vegetables. Staff sit with children at mealtimes and discuss how healthy food helps them to grow and gives them stronger muscles.”

Sarah Memory, a co-manager, said: “The whole team at The Oak Tree works extremely hard to provide the best environment we possibly can for the children in our care and their parents.

“We are committed to ongoing training of all our staff, including working closely with Andover College and The University of Winchester, to help all our practitioners reach the highest standards.

“We also work hard to build strong relationships with the families of children in our care, listening closely to their feedback and adapting our practice to accommodate individual needs of children and parents. We are thrilled to have this hard work recognised.”