A WEST Devon nursery has won the highest possible praise from an education inspector, after being judged as 'outstanding'. The Chagford Montessori Nursery School has received an excellent Ofsted report in all areas of school life. Staff at the nursery said they were thrilled and excited to be awarded such coveted acknowledgment, particularly as it is the centenary of Maria Montessori's first school for children, founded in Rome in 1907. Moreover, as this is the final term under the present management, they were delighted to say goodbye with such favourable government recognition. The inspector reported: 'On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection, the quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding. 'The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding. Children are making excellent progress towards the early learning goals because the staff are very knowledgeable about how young children learn and provide them with many opportunities to develop their skills. The report said staff used excellent techniques to encourage the children to think for themselves and find solutions to problems. 'Children are flourishing in the well-organised and attractively presented nursery environment. 'Staff and parents have developed excellent relationships with one another, which enables them to work together to meet each child's individual needs, and to promote the children's continuity of care,' said inspectors. Co-owner and teacher, Claire Ash Wheeler, said: 'After the initial shock of having an unannounced visit by an Ofsted inspector, the day went extremely well. 'The inspector said she had really enjoyed the day with us and we felt she had really appreciated all we do for the children with the Montessori method of education.' 'We are absolutely thrilled and it is great to get this recognition as outstanding is hard to get.'