STRONG leadership, well-qualified staff and a host of caring and confident children have secured an outstanding Ofsted rating for a Corbridge nursery.

Launched more than 13 years ago by qualified primary school teacher, Georgina Lester, Little Tinklers Nursery caters for babies and children up to the age of five, with wrap around care offered for Corbridge First School pupils.

And a recent review by Ofsted inspector, Eileen Grimes, confirmed that the standard of provision in all key areas – including the quality of teaching and learning, personal development, and behaviour and outcomes for children – were all of the highest possible standard.

The report heaped particular praise on outdoor facilities at the nursery at Tinklers Yard, where children regularly visit “secret woods” in their splash suits, enjoy den building, rope ladders and swings, bug hunting and nature observations.

Youngsters also have the chance to grow and sample their own fruit and vegetables while benefiting from regular workshops in Spanish, dance and Rugbytots.

“Parents’ satisfaction is so important to us,” said Georgina.

“We regularly involve our parents in the nursery day, from daily journal updates, to weekly Tinklers Times bulletins.

“Parents are willing to be involved in nursery life and actively visit to be ‘secret readers’ and surprise their own and other children with a special story from home – it’s truly magical.”

The report stated that staff had an “outstanding understanding of their role in promoting children’s learning” and are “excellent role models and provide the highest levels of care”.

Georgina added: “The children are kept busy and inspired all day long.

“We always want to add extras to make their time away from home as fun and happy as possible.

“We have all worked so hard to ensure the very best quality care and education for our children and I am thrilled that the team’s hard work has paid off.”

The nursery offers an open door policy for new families and Georgina also runs a sister nursery in Ponteland.