A VERWOOD nursery has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for providing a “safe and stimulating” environment where children “flourish”.

Orchard Day Nursery, which has its own site at Trinity CoE VA First School, was rated outstanding in all four areas - the quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; and leadership and management.

This is the third time the nursery has been given an outstanding rating by Ofsted.

The report said: “Children flourish in this safe and stimulating environment. They become deeply engaged and highly motivated to learn.”

The inspector said the children also have “very strong” relationships with staff and enjoy their company and that children’s behaviour was “exemplary”.

“A highly consistent approach to care routines, behaviour management and expectations in all rooms supports children extremely well. For example, older children request when to award themselves a sticker for their sticker chart. This helps children to be successful in their learning and in managing their feelings and behaviour,” the report added.

The inspector also said the children have “excellent” social skills and “thoroughly enjoy their explorations and discussions, particularly during outside forest school sessions”.

“Staff have high expectations for all children’s achievements. They carry out in-depth observations and assessments of children’s learning. Staff use accurate evaluations to identify children’s next steps in learning to progress their development. They share information proactively with parents and other settings that children attend. This contributes significantly to preparing children, including those who are vulnerable, for the next steps in their learning,” the report said.

“Staff ignite children’s imaginations with a well-planned curriculum. They use their exceptional understanding of the early years foundation stage to embed all areas of learning into children’s play.”

The inspector said that “parents are extremely positive about the work of the nursery”, and also added: “All staff reflect continuously on their work and swiftly put in place improvements and changes which have a positive impact on children’s learning.”

Nursery director Debbie Appleby said she was “immensely proud and delighted” to be rated outstanding, adding: “I am hugely proud of each and every member of ‘Team Orchard’, who have maintained this incredibly high standard of care and education for our Orchard children.

“Thank you also to the many parents who gave such emotional, heartfelt and glowing feedback to the inspector about their experience at Orchard. Your support and appreciation really makes a difference and has a very positive effect on our nursery and the staff team.”