THERE was plenty to celebrate at a nursery in Westbrook after an education watchdog graded the facility as outstanding.

As 2015 drew to a close, St Philips Pre-School, which is based at the primary school on Westbrook Centre, was handed the highest rating available to inspectors.

The pre-school, which had previously been rated as satisfactory by Ofsted in September 2013, was graded as outstanding across the board in effectiveness of the leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare and outcomes for children.

In the report, which can be read in full on the Ofsted website, the leaders and management were hailed as 'inspirational' while the team work effectively 'to provide and maintain the highest standards of quality and care'.

The youngsters were also commented for behaving 'exceptionally well' and for displaying a high level of involvement in activities.

The assessment was published following a visit by Ofsted on November 30.

Nadine McCarthy, Ofsted inspector, wrote in the report: "Assessments are used accurately by staff to quickly identify any gaps in children's learning.

"Managers review the progress of different groups of children and identify if any aspects of their practice or provision need to be reviewed. They skilfully support children who are making less progress in their learning and challenge children who are exceeding age-related expectations.

"Monitoring is highly effective and supports staff to further enhance their teaching skills.

"Managers use effective supervision and peer observations to support and guide staff and to identify any future training needs.

"Children are extremely well prepared for their next stage in learning and move to school. Well-established partnerships with the school help to support children's individual needs and emotional well-being."

It was also noted that staff involve parents in ongoing assessments of children's learning and share information that complements their learning at home.

The staff were described as 'well qualified' with an 'excellent understanding of how young children learn'.

The team were also praised for treating the youngsters as 'unique individuals' while consistently encouraging the children to consider the feelings and emotions of others.