An ‘exceptional nursery’ where children thrive has received a glowing report following an inspection by Ofsted.

Riverside Nursery, in Branch Road, Lower Darwen, has been rated outstanding by Ofsted inspectors who had nothing but praise for the provision.

Manager Laura Brown said: "Having recently celebrated 15 years of providing early years care and education, the whole team at Riverside Nursery are absolutely over the moon with the ‘Outstanding’ result awarded by Ofsted at our latest inspection.

"We pride ourselves in offering a completely child-centred approach within the setting and are thrilled that this was recognised by the inspector.

"We couldn’t have achieved this accolade without the determination of past and present staff and also the support of the families that choose our nursery."

Inspectors spoke of how children are excited and motivated to learn, quickly becoming engrossed in the well-resourced environments on offer in each room.

The report said: “Children are exceptionally well-behaved at this nursery.

“They show care for one another and are quick to help each other with challenging tasks.

“They cheer with delight as they help each other to dig out giant parsnips in the vegetable patch.

“They skilfully identify strawberries in the garden that are red, which means they are 'ready to eat'.

“They comment that the white strawberries 'need more time'.

“Children's understanding of the world flourishes in the rich environment of the garden.”

Children have warm bonds of affection with staff, who are highly passionate about the children, knowing their interests and what they need to learn next to make progress.

Activities, songs, stories and interactions are threaded with mathematics and numbers.

The report continues: “The curriculum on offer is individualised for each child's specific needs.

“As a result, all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make excellent progress in every area.”

Inspectors said the nursery is led by a well-qualified, highly aspirational manager and highly motivated staff team have a strong understanding of child development.

They added that staff model ‘excellent communication skills’ with enthusiastic modelling of words and grammar.

The report said: “They consistently introduce new vocabulary into children's play. For example, children in the baby room play with freshly made gloop.

“Staff use words such as 'sticky' and 'stretchy' which children then repeat confidently and clearly.

“As a result, children feel good about using new words in conversation.”