CHILDREN at a Bourne End nursery are "exceptionally well prepared" for school life according to an Ofsted report published last week which praised the early years teaching on offer.

Poppies Day Nursery received an "outstanding" verdict from its survey of teaching and facilities, which was carried out in September.

The popular nursery on Furlong Road has taken a leap since its previous grade two, or "good" status in 2011.

The jump to ones across the board has ensured the highest possible accolade available from government inspectors.

Nursery manager Kelly Panter has been part of the team since the very beginning, joining as Deputy Manager in 2006 and playing a major part of the nursery’s rise to success.

She said: "We are over the moon about it. I think the staff have worked really hard for this and they all deserve it.

I'm really proud of them. It's well deserved by all the girls that work here."

Inspectors praised the Nursery’s leadership and direction, saying its children are confident and show high levels of self esteem.

Ofsted also hailed staff’s skill and sensitivity to children’s needs, describing the example they set as "inspirational"

The report concluded: "The leadership and management of the nursery are highly effective in pursuing excellence in standards. Morale is very high and parents extremely positive about the care their children receive.

"Children are enthused by the highly stimulating environment and easily accessible resources. They are extremely eager to learn, indoors and outdoors; in all areas of learning.

"Children are exceptionally well prepared for the next steps in their learning and in moving on to school."

Now an established small chain, Poppies Bourne End was owners’ Anne Fox and Linda Hill’s first venture into nursery provision, opening in 2006.

Their success has allowed the franchise to grow steadily, with branches in Marlow and Beaconsfield and a new premises in Old Windsor due to open in May next year.