A HIGHLY regarded nursery has been given an outstanding rating by Ofsted for the second inspection in a row.

Elmstead Nursery, which is just outside Colchester, had been given the top rating when it was inspected by the education regulator in 2015, and after another inspection earlier this summer, the nursery repeated the feat.

In the report, which was published online last month, inspectors noted an exceptional learning environment where staff are "exceptionally passionate about their roles."

The nursery manager, Sandra Davison, was also mentioned in the report for the importance she placed on the wellbeing of her seven members of staff.

The report read: "The nursery manager is professional, and the well-being of her team is highly important; she is organised, adaptable and forward thinking.

"The professional development and training of the team is important and has a very positive impact on children's learning [and] partnerships working with parents is outstanding."

The work put in by staff as part of the Queen’s platinum jubilee earlier this year also came in for high praise, with the report reading: "The colourful displays are welcoming and share children's creations."

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It added: "Children have high levels of conversational skills and a growing vocabulary bank – they engage in meaningful discussions with practitioners, who continually question, listen, and acknowledge the voice of the child."

Safeguarding procedures for the 26 youngsters at the nursery were also described as being well implemented.

"Safeguarding is of high priority and children are kept safe from potential harm – practitioners have a secure knowledge of protecting children and the issues related to wider society, [and] they know how to recognise potential signs of abuse and children who are vulnerable."

When asked to comment on the inspection findings, nursery manager Sandra Davison said: "We were very pleased with how the inspection went and were extremely happy when we received outstanding judgements in all categories, retaining this grading achieved at our previous inspection.

"This reflects the hard work and commitment of our great team of dedicated staff, and parents who are always so supportive and keen to play an important part in their child’s learning.

"We thoroughly enjoy working with the children of Elmstead and the surrounding area."