A MERE nursery has been awarded the highest possible rating following a recent inspection by the Government’s education watchdog, Ofsted.

The Mere Nursery in Chester Road was inspected in February, with a report published last week calling it ‘outstanding’ across four criteria.

The inspection by Isobel Ford was the nursery’s first since being taken over by the Village Nursery Group in October 2015, and praised the standard of education and safeguarding alike.

Ms Ford wrote: “The quality of teaching is outstanding. Staff see every moment as a potential learning opportunity and make the very best use of these to enhance children’s potential to gain further knowledge and skills.

“Children are extremely happy and settled. They form secure emotional attachments with staff. All children make excellent progress from their individual starting points and are exceptionally well prepared for their next stages in learning.

“Staff provide an exceptional range of resources and activities that promote equality and provide an inclusive environment.”

The report also praised staff’s interaction with parents, some of whom Ms Ford spoke to as well as observing teaching activities, speaking to children and meeting with management.

Stacey Wendrenski, Mere Nursery manager, said: “Our families who already attend nursery are delighted at this achievement and tell us they very much value our approach with flexible settling-in sessions, stay and plays, educational programmes and preparation for school.

“We have lots of new families waiting to start and of course look forward to welcoming children and families who have not yet experienced all we have to offer.”

The family-run nursery group is owned by Ian and Julie Lightley.