The Rocking Horse Nursery in Newbury Racecourse has achieved an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating, improving on its previous 'Good' in 2018.

The purpose-built, full day care nursery is open from 7.30am to 6.30pm all year round, with 160 places available for children up to four years old.

The nursery was judged across four criteria: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

An outstanding rating was achieved in all four areas.

The inspectors regarded the children at the nursery as "happy, energetic, and eager to explore the environment that staff have prepared."

The "highly ambitious curriculum" was praised as enabling children to "learn and progress quickly," "providing challenge and repetition to build on core skills and help children learn new ones."

Children were "exceptionally well behaved," with staff guaranteeing that "children feel valued and heard."

The staff "role model kindness, care and respect," according to the report, with children able to "flourish as they explore, investigate and create during play."

The report also noted that the 51 staff at the nursery are able to thrive in the "positive and warm" environment created by the leadership team.

Richard Colbourne, manager of the Rocking Horse Nursery, said: "We are so proud of this nursery.

"The team here work so hard to ensure the children are at the heart of everything we do and always reflecting on how we can ensure impact is being added in to each of their lives.

"Ofsted’s report certainly reflects the quality of care we afford each and every child.

"Our parents have been a big part of this journey to Outstanding, who we work closely with to ensure we’re able to deliver quality care and education for each of our children.

"We’re so pleased the Rocking Horse has received the recognition it deserves!"

The Rocking Horse Nursery's spaces have been designed with an emphasis on natural and authentic resources to capture children's interest.

Newbury Racecourse, situated nearby, offers plenty of opportunity for countryside walks and fresh air.

While The Rocking Horse Nursery is currently at capacity, a waiting list is operated, with places on the list available to be requested via info@rockinghorsenursery.co.uk or 01635 48969.