Houghton nursery is top of the class

Ofsted inspectors judged Houghton-le-Spring Nursery School as outstanding in all areas, saying teaching was exceptional.

The watchdogs arrived at the school just six weeks after headteacher Sarah Dixon-Jones took up the top post.

She said: “We weren’t expecting to get a visit until May, so it was a shock when the inspectors turned up in October.

“The report is glowing. It is absolutely what the staff and the children deserve, it is a truly fantastic nursery and I am so proud of everyone.”

In their report into the Nesham Place nursery, the inspectors said: “All adults are leaders of learning and are eager to improve and learn from each other. Their constant reflection about their own performance and the progress children make results in exceptional teaching and achievement.”

They said the children’s behaviour is outstanding and the youngsters were enthusiastic and keen to learn. The report added: “Achievement is outstanding. From the outset expectations are high for all children and they make rapid progress.”