A NURSERY which has been operating at Bury College for nearly a decade has been rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted inspectors.

The childcare facility is one of six operated by Fisherfield Farm Nursery in Rochdale and Bury.

The company opened its nursery at Bury College in 2004, and is registered for 52 children with 14 staff.

Two of the company’s other nurseries in Rochdale also received an “outstanding” verdict.

In her report praising the nursery at Bury College, Ofsted inspector Caroline Midgley said: “All practitioners have high aspirations for children’s achievement. This means the nursery is exceptional in the way it meets the needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and they make very rapid progress towards the early learning goals.

“Children are encouraged to be independent and often lead their own play and discovery, but practitioners are skilled at recognising teaching and learning opportunities and are always at hand to sensitively and skilfully step in to extend children’s understanding.”

The report continued: “Children’s behaviour throughout the nursery is outstanding. Children consider each other’s feelings. They share well and pass each other resources. This is because the practitioners are good role models, teach children about feelings from a very young age and ensure children’s needs are met.”

To further improve the quality of early years provision, the inspector says that Fisherfield should continue to develop innovative ways to further enhance the “excellent partnership working between parents and the nursery”.

The nursery is used by college students, local families as well as the wider community.

David MacGill, owner of Fisherfield Farm Nursery, said: “It’s great to see that all the hard work the staff have put in has been rewarded in such a positive way.

“We strive to give the children the best we possibly can throughout the year, and here is evidence that this is exactly what we’re doing.”