A WHITEFIELD nursery is celebrating after receiving another 'outstanding' rating.

Mulberry Bush in Sefton Street was awarded the top accolade by Ofsted inspectors across all four categories assessed, which included effectiveness of the leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, and outcomes for children.

Examiners praised the staff in the report for offering the children a "rich, stimulating and exciting learning environment", adding that the youngsters are "self-confident, interested and motivated" and develop "extremely positive attitudes towards learning".

The nursery looks after 116 youngsters up to the age of four.

The inspection took place on January 15 and followed on from another 'outstanding' rating, which was awarded on September 8 last year.

Assessors said: "Babies and children thrive and are extremely motivated to learn in this outstanding nursery. They participate in challenging activities designed to capture their imagination and interests. Staff are full of fun and enthusiasm and this is imitated by children, who are totally absorbed in their play and learning.

"Staff teach children to recognise and write their names and develop an understanding of phonics. This has a significantly positive impact on children's literacy skills which prepares them extremely well for future learning and, eventually, school."

It went on to note that children who attend make rapid progress in their learning, including children whose starting points are below expected levels of development.

Jo Kinloch, Mulberry Bush Nursery group director, said she was delighted with the report.

“We are so very proud of all of our team, they work hard each and every day to provide the very best care and experiences for all of our children and it’s great to receive formal recognition of this effort from Ofsted," she said.

"We were thrilled to receive a second consecutive Outstanding rating, indicating the consistent nature of the high quality care we have always provided."