A nursery is “over the moon” to have achieved an ‘outstanding’ grade from Ofsted.

The Co-operative Childcare in Altham Gardens, South Oxhey, jumped from ‘good’ to the highest possible rating in all categories after inspectors visited on January 24.

The glowing report praised the “exceptional service in which every child is valued” and described the manager and staff as “superb role models”.

Watford Observer: The Co-operative Childcare Watford (South Oxhey)The Co-operative Childcare Watford (South Oxhey) (Image: Google Street View)

Nursery manager Rachael Perry described how “fantastic” it was to read the report.

“My team work incredibly hard making sure that everything we do maximises our children’s experience in the nursery,” she said.

“It is great that we are getting recognised for the passion and hard work we put in every day.

“Gaining 'outstanding' through Ofsted is becoming harder and harder so to have been awarded that title is just fantastic.”

The full-day care provider for kids up to four years old has 100 children on its roll.

Safeguarding arrangements were found to be effective with it going "above and beyond" the minimum requirements, as all staff have attended paediatric first-aid training.

Inspectors wrote: “Children have the best possible start to their education and are superbly prepared for their future learning at school.

“Parents are valued partners and are very enthusiastic to share their views of the nursery.

“They describe the manager and staff as 'amazing'.”

The Co-operative holds a silver award in the Green Flags Eco-Schools programme and kids' environmental diligence was particularly noticed.

Children meet on the eco board to decide on ideas to put in practice like litter picking and switching off lights when leaving rooms.

Inspectors were also impressed that the children collect for a local food bank and other charities.

They added: “Children enjoy opportunities to be involved in the community.

Please support our independent journalism, and get access to exclusive news and sport stories, by signing up to a Watford Observer digital subscription today.

“For example, they frequently visit a local residential home, where they have wonderful opportunities to engage with the older generation.

“They begin to learn empathy and become caring, confident children.”

The Watford Observer was shown a copy of the report, which is set to be published online later this week.

At its previous inspection in 2017, the provider was found ‘good’ in all categories but was not yet outstanding with two areas to improve listed.