Children “flourish” at an outstanding nursery that champions their learning.

Stone Cross Independent Pre-School, in Pevensey, was upgraded from good to the highest rating by Ofsted following an inspection in January.

Inspectors said pupils make “significant” progress in their learning and development and are championed by staff who support children to learn expected behaviour.

Children have an abundance of activities available to them and the nursery takes full advantage of being on a school site.

Children are “very well” prepared for the next stage of their education and there is an “open and positive culture” around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

The report said: “Children flourish in this pre-school that is highly valued by families and very much a part of the local community. Children arrive eager and full of energy to start their day.

“The exceptionally knowledgeable manager and her skilled staff team pride themselves on knowing each child incredibly well.

“They use this information to deliver a well-sequenced and exciting curriculum that ignites children's thirst for learning.

“The staff team is highly ambitious and truly values the uniqueness of every child who attends.”

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Staff were again praised for ensuring children with developmental delays are also able to progress well.

The report said: “Staff work tirelessly to ensure that children with developmental delays make outstanding progress. They work closely with families and external professionals to continuously work on specific strategies and champion children to do their very best.

“Children with physical delays show tremendous resilience and concentration as they demonstrate mastering the outdoor obstacle course.

“Children beam with pride when they show that they can balance, jump and crawl across the varied resources to complete the course.”

The nursery is held in high regard by parents.

“They comment that staff create a real sense of community for the children and their families,” the report said.

“Parents explain the pre-school contributes significantly to the progress that they notice their children make. Furthermore, parents can borrow books from the setting to further support and embed learning at home.”