A NURSERY school is celebrating being rated outstanding in its first Ofsted inspection.

Crouch End Nursery and Preschool, on Crouch Hill, which opened in 2006, was visited by inspectors on April 6.

The nursery, which looks after children aged three months to five years, was praised for the “high” quality of teaching.

Paul Spinks, nursery manager, explained the staff focus on helping the children “flourish” and the staff are proud to be given the top rating by Ofsted.

He said: “Receiving an “Outstanding” is a recognition of all the hard work that my team has put in to ensure that every area of care and education is provided at the highest level for our children and their families.

“As always our fundamental aim remains to ensure that we create the best possible environment in which children can flourish and naturally love learning forever.”

Following their visit, inspectors said they were impressed with how staff actively engaged with the children.

The report stated: “They use exemplary teaching skills, for example, they ask stimulating questions to help children to think and find solutions to problems, and encourage them to share their ideas.”

Inspectors also highlighted staff looked after each child’s individual needs.

“Staff know children exceptionally well,” the report said.

“They gather very detailed information about what children already know and can do, and generally make excellent use of this information to plan meticulously for children's individual needs.”

Mr Spinks believes the nursery has been beneficial for the community.

He said: “We wanted to become an instrumental part of the Crouch End community and to create a nursery that was shaped by our children and families.

“This is something we were able to achieve with the help of the wonderful children and families we have been fortunate enough to provide care for.”

To further improve, the nursery was advised to “ensure very young babies have activities at the right level for their stage of development”.