A Fenland nursery has been rated as outstanding by Ofsted.

Blackberry House Day Nursery, Wisbech, was praised for the quality of its teaching and curriculum following August’s inspection.

The nursery, which looks after 75 children, was rated as “good” following its previous inspection in October 2010.

Ofsted inspector Deborah Hunt said: “The uncompromisingly high standards expected by the nursery management team result in a very high quality curriculum delivered by motivated and professional practitioners through highly effective teaching.

“This ensures that children make excellent progress in their learning and development and are well prepared for the move to school or next step in their learning.”

Nursery manager Heidi King was singled out for praise for her leadership, while her staff were commended for their creativity.

Mrs Hunt said: “The inspiring and personable nursery manager leads a professional and dedicated team of practitioners.

“Together, their creative thinking enables them to offer children challenging and stimulating activities within a positive, highly enabling environment.”

Children with educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language received excellent support, the inspector said.

She said: “Children with special educational needs or disabilities and those speaking English as an additional language are sensitively nurtured and make superb progress.

“The children are confident, happy and curious learners.”

The nursery gives its children ideal preparation for school life, it was claimed.

She said: “Pre-school children receive excellent, timely support to help them prepare for their forthcoming move to school.

“Routines within the room are adapted to resemble those at school and children dress-up in uniforms from the local schools.

“Half of the room is set up as a classroom, with an easel, chalkboard, and desks.

“There is a display of the schools children will be joining and the teachers whose classes they will be in.

“Their independence develops as they make choices about where to play and they are encouraged to socialise with different groups in readiness for school.”

The nursery is open Monday to Friday of each week from 7am to 7pm. It operates an out of school club between 7am-9am and 3pm-6pm each day.

For more information go to www.blackberryhousedaynursery.co.uk