MANAGERS at The Trees Day Care Nursery were moved to tears when Ofsted gavecrowned them an outstanding provision with inspirational teaching after an inspection last month.

It’s been six years since the nursery in Quarry Road was last inspected and rated “good”.

But since then, Ofsted have since tightened up inspection criteria, making it tougher to achieve the highest standards.

Jo Hallaways, manager at The Trees, said: “We are so over the moon. When she first told us, we were so happy we cried.

“It’s because of the way she told us - she told us we had gone from good to outstanding in one area, outstanding another area and then in the third.

“We were just thrilled.

“We had our last inspection in 2009 so we had been waiting to be inspected and where the frameworks have become tougher we didn’t know what it would be like because it had been such a long time.

“And then the inspector came in and it was such a good experience.

“It was such a lovely day, the day of the inspection. The children were outside playing and spoke to the inspector. They were a major part of the inspection themselves.

“All the staff were so relaxed and confident in what they were doing.

“It’s just brilliant to have the recognition for all the hard work they do. It’s all down to their hard work and the work of Dolly Ash, the assistant manager.”

Jo said the clincher was the fact they had completed a self evaluation form (SEF) which the inspector could look at before arriving at the provision.

“The inspector said it was something that she recommended every nursery did, because it meant she knew what she as coming into before she turned up,” said Jo.

“She said she was encouraging everyone to do it because it enables the inspector to do their research and to know what to look out for.”

The only recommendation given to make further improvements to the nursery by the inspector was that the nursery should share the most up-to-date findings of self-evaluation with parents and staff.

Jo said: “Usually we put our self-assessment on the notice boards for parents to see, and it just so happened that on the day we hadn’t put it up yet. That will of course be going up soon.”

The education watchdog particularly praised The Trees for the positive environment and impact they had on the children’s welfare.

The report said: “Children thrive in the stimulating and nurturing environment. They are confident, well motivated, have form excellent bonds with their key person. They are well prepared for their future learning, including their move to school.

“Staff effectively deploy themselves indoors and out. This means that the children are very well supervised and adults are on hand to support them at all times.

“Children’s behaviour is excellent. Staff consistently reinforce rules and praise children who make good choices. This helps all children to have a clear understanding of the expectations and boundaries.”

Staff also impressed inspectors, with particular praise given to the management.

It said: “The level of teaching is inspirational. Staff uses limitless opportunities to extend children’s learning. This is supported by precise and sharply focused planning, observation and assessment.

“A rich, stimulating outdoor environment, together with excellent support from staff, encourages children to engage in their learning very positively.”

To read the report, visit http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/CARE/109128.