A Distington nursery has been rated outstanding by Ofsted in its first year.

The education watchdog visited Poppies Child Care at Toll Bar last month.

Inspectors found the facility to be outstanding in all areas.

Inspectors said: “Staff are exceptionally knowledgeable about keeping children safe from harm.

“The manager and staff team work exceptionally well together to provide a consistent approach to every child’s care and learning.

“They use information from assessments and tracking to create highly specific learning opportunities for each child.”

The report said staff made excellent use of physical activities indoors and outside to help children learn about the effect of exercise on their bodies.

It added that to further improve the quality of its early years provision, the nursery should continue to enhance the excellent outdoor play area.

Inspectors said: “Children feel safe and confident in their surroundings.

“Their independence and self-care skills are promoted extremely well.

“Children are provided with a superb range of nutritious meals and snacks.

“Staff encourage good hygiene routines. They make excellent use of physical activities, indoors and outside, to help children learn about the effect of exercise on their bodies.

“Staff make very effective use of information from parents to provide a consistent routine.

“This is especially relevant for babies and young children.

“Children are very well behaved.

“They share and take turns, listen to others in group activities and develop a clear sense of right and wrong.

“All children form very secure emotional attachments with the staff caring for them.

“Children visibly flourish and thrive throughout the nursery.”

The report said the work done by staff helps children prepare for future learning.

It said: “All children make excellent progress in their learning.

“Children are highly motivated through the praise and encouragement they receive.

“Their communication and language, physical and personal and social skills are promoted exceptionally well.”

Adele Williams, who opened the private facility last August, said she and her team were over the moon.

She added: “We’ve worked hard over the last year improving indoors and outdoors areas to establish an environment where children’s learning and development will flourish.”