A nursery and pre-prep centre in Banstead were awarded 'Outstanding' ratings by the government's Ofsted education standards unit.

The Old Barn Nursery and the Old Barn Pre-Prep were both awarded the highest possible grades following inspections last October (pre-prep) and November (nursery) respectively.

Both Ofsted inspectors agreed that the leadership and management, teaching and learning, children’s behaviour and welfare and outcomes for children of both early years settings were all outstanding.

Nursery Manager, Kelly Walton, and her team were all delighted with the result and recognition of their achievements.

She said: "We are all so passionate about providing every single one of our children with the very best care and education possible.

"We love what we do and are always striving for outstanding practice, so we’re ecstatic to have that recognised with this result."

Meanwhile, pre-prep Manager Jodie Arnold said that the staff were similarly thrilled with the outcome.

She said: "We strive every day to provide all of our children with outstanding care and education and it's wonderful to have that hard work and dedication recognised."

The Ofsted inspectors drew particular attention to the attentiveness of the staff at both pre-school centres, who they said displayed a high degree of vigilance over all the children under their care. Of the nursery, for example, the report said: "Staff meticulously observe and assess children's achievements...any gaps in children's learning are quickly identified and staff review their teaching strategies to address these swiftly."

Further, the report highlighted the care of the well-being of the early years children who attend the nursery, which it said was also taken into account by staff alongside their learning progress.

The report said: "Children’s well-being is at the core of everything staff do and behaviour throughout the nursery is impeccable."

The staff team at the pre-prep were similarly praised in their Ofsted report.

The text said: "(Staff) know the children extremely well and plan activities that successfully capture the children’s imagination."

Staff members and supporters of the pre-prep and nursery now plan on celebrating their achievements, and will host a champagne reception at the Old Barn nursery itself this Friday (February 1). Celebrity guest, footballer Darren Pratley (Charlton FC), whose child attends the nursery, will be in attendance to support the celebrations.

The event will also be supported by international, award winning harpist Tomos Xerri, who has performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and previously provided a solo performance for HM The Queen.

Those interested in visiting the Old Barn Day Nursery can contact the Manager at manager@oldbarndaynursery.com