A NURSERY has been described as a 'magical' environment and a 'home from home' by Ofsted inspectors in a glowing report.

Antrobus Nursery and Woodland School, a small village nursery in rural surroundings, received fantastic comments from Ofsted at its most recent inspection, and was rated ‘good’ overall.

The report reads: “The partners manage the setting and are responsible for all aspects of the provision.

“They are totally committed to the nursery and have a clear vision for how they want it to operate.

“Their ethos is shared effectively with all the staff.

“The staff plan activities which respond to children's immediate interests.

“They combine this with activities that introduce children to new information to broaden their horizons.

“Parents described the atmosphere in the nursery as 'magical'.

“They feel their children are loved.”

The Ofsted inspector had particular praise for the 'carefully organised, easily accessible all weather outdoor play space and woodland area'.

“Encouraging outdoor play has now become even more of a key part of the nursery's ethos,” the report adds.

The report also mentions how children are encouraged to care for the chickens and guinea pigs onsite and carefully collect eggs and other produce such as vegetables from the allotment, which are later used for baking and cooking experiences.

Claire Chalmers and Alex Jarvis, owners of the nursery, said: “We were so excited to show Ofsted what we have to offer and are very pleased with all the lovely comments we have had, both from the inspector and our parents.

“We are a unique setting and really feel we provide a child-focused approach to early years education, providing the best for every child.

“We had a wonderful day and our inspector was very pleased with the happy atmosphere and commented on how settled and content every child was.”

The nursery, situated in Antrobus, Northwich, is just a mile from the M56 junction at Stretton and close to Barnton, Comberbach and Wincham.

It is open full time for children aged six months to five years.

To see the full report, visit the nursery’s website at antrobuspreschool.com.