A KIDDERMINSTER nursery has been deemed 'outstanding' after a "gruelling" 11-hour inspection by Ofsted.

As a result of the inspection, which subjected the Hickory Dickory Dock Day Nursery to the education watchdog's new framework which set higher standards then previously, the nursery became one of the few in the area to meet these on the highest level.

Inspectors visiting on the day said babies and children "flourish" at the Spennells Estate, Kidderminster, nursery.

"The extremely kind and attentive provider and staff sensitively reassure and encourage them. They calmly help all children to settle, patiently supporting those children who find it more difficult to relate to others," it said in a report, published at the end of June.

"Babies and children thoroughly enjoy learning. The provider and staff inspire them to join in the many exciting activities. They skilfully direct their teaching to cater for each child's interests, differing abilities and future learning needs. Staff successfully foster each child's skills as effective learners in readiness for moving within the nursery or on to school."

The contribution to the well-bring of the children who attend the nursery is constantly assessed and monitored according to each child's needs.

The report said: " Staff skilfully promote children's confidence, independence and positive relationships.

"Staff conscientiously meet children's care and health needs and expertly develop their independence in seeing to their personal care. Children gain an excellent understanding of why it is important to be active, eat healthily and wash their hands properly."

In the final subject, the effectiveness of the leadership and management at the nursery, inspectors said all staff were "well-qualified" and "highly skilled".

The report said: "The provider and staff thoroughly check the quality of their teaching, activities and resources and how these impact on children's learning. They swiftly address any gaps in children's progress or the educational programme. Staff are well-qualified and highly skilled due to excellent staff recruitment, performance and development procedures. The quality of their care and teaching is outstanding."

Sara Cookson, owner of Hickory Dickory Dock Day Nursery, described the inspection as "gruelling" as inspectors began at 9am on a Friday morning and continued for 11 hours questioning staff, management and parents alike.

On the successful report, she said: "The new framework is quite tough - it is tougher than it used to be to get 'outstanding', but I think it's a fair reflection on how things should be.

"The Ofsted inspection itself was quite stressful for us all, but the staff came out on top with the inspectors saying they were dedicated, and they also mentioned how that shows in the children. The inspector said it was a really happy environment.

"We were really happy with it. The girls were really impressed and pleased with the report. They have worked really hard to maintain our 'outstanding' status."

Hickory Dickory Dock Day Nursery, which offers full-time care to babies and children up to five years old and has 33 places available with 82 children on its roll, should now not face another inspection for five years.