A NURSERY in West Devon has received an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report for the third consecutive time.

The inspection report for Penmoor Nursery School in Yelverton found the nursery outstanding in all areas — the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management — and staff were ‘absolutely thrilled’ with the result.

The inspection took place in February but with Covid-19 the results were not published until recently.

Penmoor owner and manager Anne-Marie Cooper said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded a third consecutive grade of outstanding. It is hard to get this grade once but three times is extremely rare. We were inspected under the new framework which was daunting.

‘We would like to thank all our children and their families. In praise of the setting 27 parents spoke to the inspectors and a further 29 wrote letters in support.

‘Many of our parents are keyworkers and we have remained open throughout the Covid crisis.

We have extended our opening hours and allowed older siblings to attend so that key staff can go to work without worrying about their children.

‘I cannot praise my staff enough for the dedication and professionalism they have shown over the past two months.’

Within the report, inspectors noted that children were extremely happy and moved confidently around the inviting and inspiring learning environment.

‘They are highly motivated and show exceptionally high levels of concentration. Older children are focused when developing key skills, working in small groups supported by staff who consistently offer praise and encouragement.

‘Children relish having access to several outdoor environments. Expert staff deliver exciting experiences that some children may not experience anywhere else.

‘Children thrive in this highly inspirational and safe learning environment.

‘They feel confident to voice their feelings, knowing that they will be listened to by staff who are kind and gentle. Children’s behaviour is exemplary.

‘They form exceptional relationships with the staff, who are nurturing role models. Children exhibit pride in their work and this is recognised by staff, who carefully display children’s work around the room, helping them to develop a strong sense of belonging.’

The report also included a long list of what Penmoor does well, which included that staff were highly motivated and work hard to ensure that children transition well within the nursery and to the local primary schools.