A day nursery which cares for more than 200 children in Woodville has been labelled “inspirational” in a recent Ofsted inspection, which saw the establishment get the highest rating of all - Outstanding.

The rating was awarded to Woodville Day Nursery, in Blacksmiths Lane, after inspectors found that children who attend the nursery are “exceptionally confident and self-assured” as a result of the care and education they are given.

The nursery was rated outstanding in all areas in the report in the inspection, which took place on June 15.

The inspector gave the early years setting top marks for the effectiveness of the leadership and management, for the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and for the personal development, behaviour, welfare and outcomes of children in its care.

Elaine Blunt, one of the directors of Swingboat Nurseries which operates Woodville Day Nursery, said everyone was delighted with Ofsted’s findings. She said: “The whole team are absolutely thrilled that their hard work, ongoing training and dedication to the children in their care has been recognised.”

Nursery manager Tammy Mansfield said: "We are all so proud of our achievement, both parents and children are part of the team here at Woodville Day Nursery and we thank each and everyone for entrusting their children with us and allowing us to build those key relationships which were observed commented on by the Ofsted inspector."

The inspector praised the staff team and reported that they “ensure the learning environment is vibrant and inviting enabling a high quality of teaching which is inspirational and truly worthy of dissemination to others.”

Children were judged to make extensive progress for their age, a provision which is at the heart of all that the staff do, leaving children extremely well prepared for the next step in their learning and for school, whatever their ability.

The report also labelled children's behaviour as “exemplary” after children were extremely kind towards each other and went out of their way to help their friends, supported by the highly skilled staff team. This was also noted by parents who “speak highly of the nursery and the experiences that their children have. They also say how much they appreciate the support they receive from the staff.”

The nursery last got a rating of good when it was inspected in December 2013. Since then it has gone above and beyond to meet the highest standards with staff working tirelessly to get to “act swiftly to address any gaps in children’s learning to help them make rapid progress.”

The inspector spoke with staff and children, held a meeting with the nursery managers and the area manager and spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

Staff demonstrated fantastic skills that contribute to the excellent outcomes that children achieve while ensuring that the learning environment is “vibrant and inviting.”

This includes cuddling tired babies and allowing children to make fruit smoothies.

The report said: “Children have independent access to a large variety of resources that engages them in play and learning. Younger children use real fruit and vegetables in the role play area. They are able to find out what they feel and taste like. Older children know about foods that are good for them. They talk about healthy foods as they enjoy making fruit smoothies.

“Babies enjoy plenty of cuddles as they start to get tired. This helps to ensure that children are happy and settled at all times. Children love being outdoors and being active. They are physically confident and competent, skilfully using apparatus and wheeled toys. Staff teach children how to keep safe and children learn to manage risks and challenges for themselves.

“Children enjoy well balanced meals and healthy snacks. A fully inclusive provision is at the heart of all that the staff do. Children learn to respect each other's differences and individuality.”

The inspector recommended the nursery should continue to focus on the excellent process of observing and coaching staff, evaluating the impact of this support on maintaining the exceptional practice.

Nursery manager Amanda Gadsby said they worked hard for the rating. She said: "The outstanding result shows that all of our hard work and effort has paid off, we have a real team spirit here at Woodville and all work together to provide the very best experiance for the children."

Lucy Lievers, senior nursery officer, said: "I am extremely proud to work for this outstanding nursery, the staff and children have all worked very hard and deserve the recognition given by the Ofsted Inspector. The children played an important part of the inspection and we are very proud of how they shared their honest views and experiences with the inspector."