STAFF at an Accrington nursery school are celebrating after Ofsted labelled it ‘outstanding’ for the third time in a row.

Staff, governors, and children at Lee Royd Nursery School, in Royd Street, were all widely praised by lead inspector Elaine White, who observed seven sessions late last month.

She said: “The exceptional leadership and high-quality teaching have maintained outstanding achievement for children.

“The headteacher is committed to excellence and so is always seeking ways to further improve the work of the school.

“Adults plan a wide range of exciting, relevant activities for children. This promotes their rapid progress.

“The children’s behaviour is exemplary.

“They enjoy coming to school and most attend regularly. Children show a very well developed awareness of society.”

Headteacher Karen Coffey, who has been at the school for 13 years, praised her staff following the report.

She said: “It’s a big team effort, and the staff always have the children’s best interests at heart. We don’t prepare when Ofsted comes, they see exactly how we operate on a day-to-day basis.

“We are always striving to put additional things in. In September, we have a purpose-built mud kitchen being built, and a life-size stag that will be used to encourage parents to teach their children. We never stand still.”

Lee Royd Nursery School is an average-sized school, offering 55 places in the morning, and 55 in the afternoon for three to four year olds.

Inspector Elaine White awarded it the best possible inspection score of ‘outstanding’.

Ofsted said: “An outstanding school is highly effective in delivering outcomes that provide exceptionally well for all its pupils’ needs.

“This ensures that pupils are very well equipped for the next stage of their education, training, or employment.”