A nursery has managed to upgrade its Ofsted rating from Good to Outstanding after a recent inspection.

Poppy's Day Nursery, in Staplehurst, was inspected on February 23 – its first in six years.

Inspectors stated that children are “safe, happy and thrive” at the nursery and they “thoroughly enjoy playing and exploring in their environment.”

The report also said children access exciting learning opportunities in the outdoor area.

The nursery has been operating for 15 years this August and currently has 85 children and 28 staff members.

High levels of concentration and engagement were shown from children, who have an “excellent choice of resources.”

They receive outstanding care from staff, while still showing independence.

“Staff give excellent thought and care, so children have the best experience possible and make exceptional progress...”

Younger children demonstrated this by doing things such as putting on shoes and using cutlery successfully.

Inspectors said staff give “excellent thought and care” to make sure the children have the best experience possible and progress.

The report found that the provider and manager are passionate and provide a well thought-out curriculum designed to meet the needs of the children.

Staff's professional development is also highly prioritised and shows a “personalised approach.”

Procedures for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities were found to be outstanding.

Staff use picture cards for children who are not confident in communicating what they need to enable all children to share their views.

Parents spoke about the caring nature of the staff and how their children have developed educationally and emotionally in a happy, warm, and safe environment.

Inspectors said managers go “above and beyond” to support families and communicate children's development.

Staff plan the environment to promote the highest levels of engagement.

Children show high levels of respect for each other and can solve problems through communicating with their friends.

“Excellent communication is clear between staff, parents, professionals, and management working together for the benefit of children...”

They also take pride in their environment understand the importance of the rules in place.

For example they tidy away their toys when finished with an activity.

The provider and manager have an “excellent understanding” of the impact of the pandemic on the children and the steps they needed to take.

Excellent communication is clear between staff, parents, professionals, and management working together for the benefit of children.

Safeguarding at the nursery was found to be effective, and staff have an excellent knowledge of safeguarding, covering a wide range of issues.

They understand the steps to take if concerned about children in their care.

Children recognise the importance of keeping themselves safe, which has been taught through daily routines, and staff's awareness of current safeguarding issues is regularly reviewed and updated, with the provider offering regular training opportunities.

The manager ensures children are kept safe online, such as by monitoring children when using technology.

Owner Katherine Tunnicliffe said: “I am extremely proud of our Ofsted inspection and the efforts my staff team have achieved.”