STAFF and children at a Waterside nursery are celebrating a ‘good’ rating from inspectors.

Blackfield Nursery, part of Inspire Learning Partnership, has been judged ‘good’ by Ofsted with children’s personal development, welfare and behaviour declared as ‘outstanding’.

In her report, inspector Loraine Wardlaw said: “The Inspire management team and staff place high emphasis on children’s personal development, safeguarding and welfare.

“Children behave impeccably, show extremely strong relationships with staff and play together harmoniously.

“A highly stimulating play environment entices children to be curious, active learners.”

The report also noted how the nursery has formed a “cohesive partnership” with Blackfield Primary School and they have a “very clear vision for the future”.

Other highlights in the report include the high priority given to building excellent relationships with parents, the highly positive and welcoming culture at the nursery, strong teaching skills and that children have great fun in the improved outdoor play space.

CEO of Inspire Learning Partnership, Claire Lowe, said: “I am so delighted for everyone at Blackfield Nursery for this very well-deserved praise from Ofsted.

“We are very proud to have Blackfield Nursery as part of our family schools, and in particular for the strong links we are now able to build with Blackfield Primary.

“I’d like to pay tribute to nursery manager Mandy Hooper and all her staff for creating such a wonderful place to learn and play for the youngest members in our Blackfield community.”

Inspectors said teachers should “raise the quality of their teaching” and “incorporate children’s home language more effectively in play” to become outstanding.

Blackfield Nursery is part of Inspire Learning Partnership trust with Blackfield Primary, Fawley Infant and Hightown and Kanes Hill primary schools in Southampton.