A COLCHESTER nursery where children were described as jumping up and down with anticipation of the day says it is "ecstatic" to have got an outstanding Ofsted. 

Stepping Stones children’s nursery, on Barrack Street, has retained the rating after a visit from inspectors in December.

Speaking on the children’s demeanor before entering the school, the report noted: “Children jump up and down with anticipation and excitement before entering this astounding setting.

“The gate opens and children are welcomed by caring and friendly staff. Children happily wave goodbye to their parents and skip into this warm and inviting setting.”

The inspector noted the rapport between staff and children, stating: “Children go to their key person for reassurance when needed. Staff's knowledge of the children is superb.

“Subsequently, children are learning through their interests and preferred learning style. All children make significant progress in all areas of their learning and development.”

The quality of teaching was heralded within the Ofsted report, with the inspector noting: “Teaching is exemplary. The manager provides a clear, inclusive and ambitious curriculum.

“Staff share this high-quality vision and provide suitably challenging activities and learning experiences for all children.”

The inspector also noted that the staffing level greatly benefitted children, enabling for a better education: “The way that communication and language are prioritised in this setting is exceptional.

"With high staff ratios, children often benefit from one-to-one support, enabling a focus on supporting individual children's needs.”

The Ofsted report did not indicate any areas for improvement, instead observing that parents often praise the school: “Parents compliment the setting on the remarkable and significant progress their children are making and the ongoing support they receive.”

On their outstanding rating the nursery said: “We are ecstatic. We are so pleased and happy with how the inspection went.

“In the build-up to the inspection the staff were amazing and worked so hard. Everything we do is embedded in our practice.

“We had the inspector visit us on our Christmas party day, so it just goes to show how happy the children are when visitors come in.

“We are so happy, absolutely ecstatic, that we’ve maintained our outstanding rating.”