A HALSTEAD nursery has received high praise from an education watchdog thanks to its staff and "ambitious curriculum".

The Barn Nursery School, at Greenland Farm, has been rated ‘outstanding’ following an Ofsted inspection on February 13.

The report which said the nursery received the highest possible rating thanks to its quality of education, children's behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Established in 2015, the day care nursery has children from the age of eight months up to five years and employs 35 qualified members of staff.

According to the report, the staff’s ”knowledge and dedication ensure that teaching practice is continuously outstanding” and children “rapidly develop excellent levels of confidence and resilience, as well as exceptional communication skills”.

The report says: “Children arrive eager to start their day and happily bid their parents goodbye.

“They settle quickly and show extremely high levels of emotional well-being and security.”

The Barn Nursery was set up by directors Victoria Percival and Jessica Allen, who are extremely pleased with the Ofsted report.

Halstead Gazette: Delighted - The Barn Nursery School founders Jessica Allen and Victoria PercivalDelighted - The Barn Nursery School founders Jessica Allen and Victoria Percival (Image: Belinda Grant Photography)

They said: "A second outstanding judgement is the icing on the cake for us after an epic year at the Barn.

"We are thrilled that it was recognised by the inspectors that ‘staff place children at the heart of a highly ambitious curriculum’ and that our teaching practice is continually outstanding.

"This was a team effort, and our heartfelt thanks go out to all of our extremely dedicated and supportive staff and parents, all part of the Team Barn family without whom, none of this would be possible."

Nursery staff provide a range of experiences for children to develop skills.

Staff also “work exceptionally hard” to ensure any children with special educational needs receive the best support.

The Barn Nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7.45am to 4pm during school term. Anyone interested in finding out more or joining the nursery’s waiting list should go to tinyurl.com/3rze2chz.