TOP marks across the board has seen an Acomb nursery ranked outstanding by Ofsted.

Little Oaks Nursery was awarded ‘outstanding’ ratings in all five categories following an Ofsted inspection in May this year.

Quality of teaching and learning, personal development, behaviour and welfare, leadership and management and outcomes for students were all found to be outstanding.

The nursery, run by manager Catherine Fergus, has a total of 20 places for children aged from two and a half years years.

The report, published in June, states that parents are ‘unanimous’ in their praise for Little Oaks.

All children at Little Oaks were found to make outstanding progress, gain great confidence and were extremely well prepared for school.

The children are described as ‘extremely enthusiastic and resourceful learners’ who listen attentively and follow instructions well.

Inspectors praised staff at the nursery, describing them as providing excellent care and being ‘exceptionally vigilant to ensure children’s safety.’

The report reads: “Staff skilfully provide children with the language they need to negotiate with others and assist them with managing their feelings and behaviour.

“Children ably learn to take small risks and work out how to keep themselves and others safe.”

The teaching was also warmly praised, the report highlights ‘innovative and expertly planned experiences’ which harness the children’s enthusiasm.

The report reads: “The dynamic staff team has an excellent understanding of how children learn and teaching is completely centred on the needs of each individual child. Staff are highly skilled in getting children to be inquisitive and ask questions about the world around them.”

Leadership was found to be ‘exceptional’. The report states: “The whole staff team is dedicated to providing high quality care and education.

“Their expertise is shared throughout the nursery and with the host school staff, so all children receive a high-quality learning experience that meets their needs very well.”

Inspectors suggested that to improve further, Little Oaks should continue to build on its partnerships with other schools.

Staff at the nursery were thrilled with the inspectton result.

Nursery manager Catherine Fergus said: “We were just absolutely delighted with it.

“We work hard and we want to be outstanding, but we were absolutely thrilled by the report.”