Ofsted inspector Anne Walker visited Lodge Cottage nursery school at Manor Road last November.

"The leadership and management is outstanding," she said in her report. The nursery has 48 children aged from two and a half to five years on its roll. Thirty five of those receive financial support as children who speak English as an additional language.

The nursery has seven staff who were praised as "confident practitioners".

The report added: "They have a competent knowledge of the curriculum guidance for the foundation stage and confidently use this to suit their nursery and the needs of the children in their care."

It also said the children behave very well. "A positive behaviour management policy is effectively implemented by the staff who are very good role models."

Partnership with parents and carers was outstanding, said the inspector, with parents describing "excellent" relationships with staff.

"Children demonstrate an impressive confidence in their sense of belonging to the nursery community.

"They arrive with enthusiasm and are happy to say goodbye to mum or dad," she said.

The inspector added the children were looked after in an environment that was organised for their safe care, and staff were good at taking responsibility and communicating with each other.

She also noted children's health was promoted through consistently-implemented good hygiene routines and children with specific medical needs were well cared for.

Nursery owner, Mrs Joanna Hammond, said she was "absolutely delighted" and praised her staff.

She added: "It really reflects how we work in the nursery."