Staff at a Potters Bar nursery are over the moon after being hailed ‘outstanding’ and ‘exceptional’ in a glowing report from Ofsted.

Little Elms Montessori Nursery, in Mutton Lane, gained ‘outstanding’ across the board in effectiveness of the leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare and in outcomes for children.

The inspector highlighted in the report: “The quality of teaching is exceptional. Staff are astutely aware of every child’s interests and where they need to challenge their learning and development next.

“The high staff-to-child ratio provides staff with additional time to nurture and meet children’s individual needs very effectively.”

In Ofsted’s previous visit to the nursery in 2013, inspectors described the organisation ‘good’.

Naile Osman, co-principal of the nursery, said: “We are very proud and excited Little Elms Montessori Nursery has achieved an ‘outstanding’ accreditation from Ofsted.

“Our team have always worked extremely hard, using the Montessori method of early education (a child-centred approach) along with the EYFS.”

The inspector also highlighted: “There are excellent arrangements to fully support children as they develop and move between rooms so that they feel extremely safe and secure.

“Children build strong friendships and play exceptionally well together.

“Parents speak approvingly of the nursery, stating that staff are caring and their children are safe, happy and settled. Children’s behaviour is exemplary.”

Nicky Gallagher, co-principal of the nursery, said: “We have been working very closely with our parents, carers and other professionals in order to create a safe, happy, caring environment in which each child can learn and develop freely at their individual pace, following the child’s own interests and inclinations.”