MEMBERS of staff at Montessori College Fields Nursery School in Marlborough are celebrating after receiving a Good rating from Ofsted.

The nursery in College Fields, near Marlborough College, received its Good rating following an inspection on September 14. Staff at the nursery school have expressed their delight at the rating, with the owner Liz Barnes praising the inspection’s findings.

Mrs Barnes said: “The inspection went very well and we were really pleased that the most important part of the report, personal development, behaviour and welfare, was given the grade Outstanding.”

In the report it stated that the children are independent and that there are excellent relationships between children and staff, providing an exceptionally caring and nurturing environment. It carried on to say that staff of the nursery knew the children very well and that the children had high self-esteem and confidence.

Sophie Shepard, manager of College Fields, said: “We have often seen the younger children looking up to the older children when they first start nursery, they learn from the older children’s behaviour faster than if they were in a room just for two year olds. The older children grow with us and become the confident big fish in the school room, helping and caring for the new two year olds at this time of year. They grow in confidence as they can directly see how their understanding and knowledge compares to the younger children.”

Elsewhere in the report on the nursery, there was a strong focus on the early learning of maths and English and how the children interact with the staff.

The report states: “Children learn early mathematical and literacy skills using the high quality resources. They ask questions, extend conversations, and demonstrate their strong understanding and interest. Children have very good opportunities to be physically active and use equipment that develops their control and coordination very well.”

The nursery, which was first established in 1992, brings children of different ages together to learn and interact with each other. The nursery opens from Mondays to Fridays during term time.