An “extremely proud” nursery manager praised her team and the children after retaining a "good" Ofsted grade.

Squirrels Nursery’s Ascot Road location, in Ascot Community Free School, was given the second highest possible grade in all categories after an inspection on March 14.

There are 57 children up to four-years-old on roll and the inspector found that they “are extremely settled at the nursery”.

“Young children move around with ease and can access appropriate resources for their developmental needs,” the report, published on April 17, said.

“Children are cared for by caring, happy, and nurturing staff.”

Nursery manager Katie Rodgers said: “I am extremely proud of our team for their continued dedication, passion, and love they give to support all children to unearth their potential for their future success.

“I am so very pleased to have retained such a good outcome.”

To improve, Ofsted wanted the nursery to support staff to "take full account of all children’s individual needs and abilities" particularly during group activities.

This followed occasions where staff did not do so, leaving some children to become “frustrated and upset”.

Parents were very positive about the care their children receive and told Ofsted that staff are very supportive and communicate well.

The inspector added: “Parents whose children require additional support comment how grateful they are to the manager and her team for all the support and reassurance they receive and the good progress their children make.”

Safeguarding measures were found to be effective, and it was also praised for its maths support, support for children to become independent especially around mealtimes, and the way that it promotes communication and language development.

Watford Observer: Squirrels Nursery (Left to right, only including staff: Hannah, Kirstie, Richard, Katie Rodgers, Stephanie)Squirrels Nursery (Left to right, only including staff: Hannah, Kirstie, Richard, Katie Rodgers, Stephanie) (Image: Squirrels Nursery)The nursery, registered in 2015, operates independently at Ascot Community Free School between Monday and Friday from 8am to 6pm.

The curriculum was found to be “well-planned and broad” as it assesses children to identify what they need to learn next and helps kids, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to make good progress.

At its previous inspection, in 2017, the nursery was also found to be "good" in all categories.