A LAVERTSTOKE nursery has been praised by Ofsted.

The Watership Down Nursery, based in Lady Rose Hall, in Laverstoke Lane, was rated as ‘good’ by the education watchdog following a visit on October 1.

Inspectors ranked the provider as ‘good’ in three of its assessment areas but awarded it with an ‘outstanding’ mark for personal development, behaviour and welfare.

A report published last month said staff show a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and provide a rich and varied environment.

“They plan a superb range of playful experiences that particularly enthuses and motivates individual children to learn. Staff are highly effective in promoting the particular needs, abilities and interests of all children,” the report said.

It also applauded that children’s behaviour was exemplary and they make good progress in their communication and language skills.

“Staff expertly tailor their interactions to meet young children’s developing language needs precisely. They consistently extend children’s vocabulary, introducing new words and engaging them in conversations. Children listen very carefully, maintain interest and acquire new language.”

Inspectors recognised that children acquire the skills that they need for the next steps in their development and eventual move on to school.

And that youngsters are extremely happy, confident and respond exceptionally well to the calm expectations from the staff.

The report added: “ Staff provide an excellent range of experiences, which helps children to value and respect people and families, and celebrate diversity within the family group. This is expertly reinforced through discussions and activities.”

However, inspectors said staff needed to strengthen partnerships with other early years settings and parents to enhance and plan learning from the outset.

Owner and manager Lucy Jones said: “We are over the moon with the report. It speaks for itself and as a new setting it was a fantastic result especially as it is our first Ofsted.”

She added that the recommendations were things the nursery needed to “tighten up”, and were congratulated by an early years consultant who it had been visited by months before and said the suggestions were “weak recommendations”.