INSPECTORS have praised inspirational leadership and “wonderfully nurturing” staff as they awarded an “outstanding” rating to a nursery.

The Co-operative Childcare Falmer nursery at the University of Sussex was praised in the report which followed November’s inspection.

The nursery, which is at the university’s Falmer campus near Brighton, was also praised by Ofsted for its “exceptionally inclusive environment” and for allowing children with special needs to achieve their potential.

This was the first Ofsted inspection at the nursery since April 2014, when it was rated as “good”, following the Co-operative Childcare and university’s £2.1million investment in the site earlier that year.

In this latest report, Ofsted inspector Ben Parsons praised the nursery staff, who “work tirelessly” to ensure children receive the individually tailored care and learning they need.

He said: “All children, including those who have special educational needs, receive every opportunity to progress to their full potential.”

He reserved particular praise for the staff’s “superb relationships” with the children, noting “their wonderfully nurturing approach helps children to feel exceedingly happy, secure and settled”.

He noted: “Staff value children’s individuality extremely highly and are completely attentive to their every need.”

He said staff provide parents with excellent support and parents are “completely engaged in their children’s learning”.

Mr Parsons also said: “Staff provide an exceptionally challenging learning environment for all children, with extensive opportunities and resources for play, exploration and discovery.”

The nursery, which caters for students and staff at the university as well as the wider Brighton under-fives’ community, has a large outside area with an array of equipment including water features, slides, a sand pit and a road for bikes and cars.

Karen Parker, nursery manager at the Co-operative Childcare Falmer nursery, said: “We are so pleased to get the result that our hard work deserves.

“Since the previous inspection in 2014, the whole team has worked hard to ensure we offe only the highest-quality childcare.

“This outstanding rating means that our Falmer nursery is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well, ensuring they are ready for their next stage of learning.”