HENSHAW Nursery is celebrating after it received an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted for the first time.

The nursery was given the highest rating possible by the education watchdog in all categories assessed, after being judged as ‘good’ in 2015.

Nursery manager Arlene Bowes said: “We’re very pleased.

“I think it’s down to the quality of the staff; there’s seven of us and we’re all highly skilled and highly qualified.

“We’re all experienced and we work well with the children.

“I wasn’t nervous; this is my third Ofsted inspection so you gain confidence each time.”

The Ofsted report praised both staff and the manager, as well as children’s learning across all subjects.

The report reads: “The manager is exceptionally dedicated and committed to her role. “She successfully leads a highly-skilled workforce, where all staff feel extremely supported and valued.

“Children use their imaginations and are highly motivated, are extremely confident and physical learners, and their communication, language and literacy skills are highly impressive.”

The nursery, which is within Henshaw Primary School, already has plans to celebrate the report.

Arlene said: “We’re having an open afternoon from 12.30pm on Thursday in conjunction with the school.

It’s open to anyone with children from the age of two who is interested in school or nursery provision.”