A NURSERY based at a university campus has been rated outstanding by an education watchdog following an inspection.

Ofsted inspectors rated Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery, on Essex University’s Colchester campus, as outstanding for its overall effectiveness, the quality of education it provides, the behaviour and attitudes of children and for the way it is run.

The report by inspectors said all children have made “exceptionally” good progress, including children with special educational needs or disabilities and those who speak English as a second language.

The nursery looks after almost 200 children.

“Their learning needs are superbly assessed and planned for by an extremely highly-skilled and confident staff who have an in-depth knowledge of the children’s likes, dislikes and needs,” the report added.

“Children are encouraged to develop their interests and are given the opportunity to learn new ones with the multitude of activities available, from becoming a budding artist in the studio to exploring woodland with the Forest School.”

The “dynamic and extremely enthusiastic” staff were praised for making good use of the area and the university campus and for having excellent partnerships with parents.

Those contacted by Ofsted as part of the inspection process told inspectors their children receive “exemplary care”.

Dawn Saunders, one of the nursery managers, said: “We are very fortunate to be based in a magnificent parkland setting so our children can play, learn and explore in a vibrant and stimulating environment.

“Although the Covid-19 outbreak followed our inspection and meant that our celebrations were put on hold, we are delighted to have been praised so highly and look forward to celebrating with the children, their parents and our staff, as soon as we are able.”

The nursery had to close due to Covid-19 between March and June last year but has managed to remain open to all families since then and throughout this current period of lockdown.

It has 46 staff and caters not only for the children of university staff and students, but also for families living in the area.