A RIBBLE Valley nursery, connected to a primary school rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, has also received the education watchdog’s top grading.

First Class Childcare Barrow was upgraded from ‘good’ following its latest inspection last month after inspectors last visited the nursery in 2009.

The village’s primary school, which houses the nursery at its base in Old Row, was also given the top rating in 2013.

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The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision and the contribution of the service to the well-being of children were considered ‘outstanding’ by inspectors.

How well the provision meets the needs of the 142 children who attend the nursery was also rated outstanding.

In the Ofsted report, lead inspector Jacqueline Midgley said: “The quality of teaching is excellent as practitioners provide rich, varied and imaginative experiences based on children’s interests, both inside and outdoors.

“Consequently, all children are highly motivated, eager to learn and make exceptional progress.

“Leadership is inspirational. The management team is effective in its commitment to continuously improving this already outstanding nursery.

“Practitioners demonstrate their drive towards achieving excellence in all areas.

“Children’s safety and safeguarding is central to everything practitioners do.

“They effectively support children to understand how to keep themselves safe and healthy .”

In the report, Mrs Midgley said that in order for the nursery to improve it should ‘enrich the already excellent partnerships with parents by providing even more opportunities for them to be involved in the life of the nursery’.

Managing director Andrew Clifford said: “FCCC has strived for this accomplishment for over the last 30 years and I am immensely proud of my team.

“We are all elated with news and I am sure the celebrations with continue over the next few months.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the Barrow nursery team, our wonderful parents who continue to support us. We truly are First Class Childcare.”

Anna Haworth, nursery manager, said: “I’m overwhelmed that the nursery is finally getting the recognition it deserves, I am enormously proud of my team and want to thank the fantastic parents for their continuous support over the years.”