A BARNOLDSWICK nursery is celebrating after Ofsted awarded it with its second 'outstanding' review.

Pendle Nursery, in Fountain Street, was awarded the highest rating possible following an inspection of the nursery on May 24.

The centre was judged to be outstanding in all areas, reciprocating the top marks achieved in May 2009.

Manager, Lisa Beckwith, said: "We have an exceptionally strong nursery team, and to be recognised as an ‘outstanding’ nursery is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of all our staff, who go the extra mile to ensure everyone achieves their best.

"This shows we are amongst the top in the country and we will ensure we keep these high standards.

"We have worked hard to ensure that not only have we kept our outstanding rating, but we have developed even further, by introducing a fantastic outdoor learning space for the children to explore."

In her findings about Pendle Nursery, Ofsted inspector, Michelle Britch, wrote: "Teaching is excellent.

"Staff provide children with a rich, stimulating and exciting learning environment, both indoors and outdoors.

"Children benefit from a huge range of high-quality resources that promote all areas of learning. They are self-confident, interested and motivated, and develop extremely positive attitudes towards learning in readiness for school.

"The management team has a clear and accurate understanding of where the nursery is most successful. They know this because they rigorously monitor the quality of teaching and the difference it makes to children's learning.

"The manager closely checks the progress made by different groups of children attending the nursery. She obtains and analyses informative data, which enables her to identify gaps in children's learning. She then implements effective strategies to ensure all children reach their full potential."

The inspector also wrote: "All staff demonstrate a superb knowledge of the the children they care for. This has an extremely positive impact on children's physical and emotional well-being."

To further improve the early years provision, the inspector said the nursery should "continue to support staff with targeted training and professional development that promotes consistently high-quality teaching and learning".

"We are a family-run nursery that has been operating for more than 40 years," added Mrs Beckwith. "During that time, we have developed into an exciting children's world, full of imaginative play opportunities for children to explore, develop and learn."

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