An Ofsted inspector has said children “flourish” at a Hertfordshire nursery school and upgraded its rating to ‘outstanding’.

A report into Bright Horizons Harpenden Central sets out that children’s communication skills are “superbly supported” by “enthusiastic staff” at the centre, which has seen its rating improve from “good” to “outstanding”.

The inspector visited the Harpenden pre-school on October 25 this year.

The report reads: “Children flourish at this friendly nursery.

“They are warmly welcomed by enthusiastic staff who swiftly engage them in play.

“Children form exceptionally strong bonds with all staff.

“Those who progress to other rooms beam with delight when they see previous key staff.

“They wave at them excitedly and run into their arms.”

It adds: “Children demonstrate high levels of independence.

“Staff encourage children to complete age-appropriate tasks with minimal support.

“For example, toddlers place used tissues in the dustbin and wash their hands without prompting and older children prepare snacks and serve their own meals.”

The inspector noted staff’s “partnerships with parents are of an exceptionally high standard” and that pre-school leaders reflect well on themselves and embrace opportunities to further their own learning.

Bright Horizons runs two nursery schools in Harpenden and – following the uprating of Harpenden Central – both are rated “outstanding” by the education regulator.

Claire Atkins, Harpenden Central nursery manager, said it was an “honour” to receive the report.

Ms Atkins said: “We are beyond proud of our colleagues and what we have achieved. It is an honour to be an Ofsted outstanding nursery and we couldn’t have done it without an excellent team who work so well together.

“We always look to give children the very best start in their early years through our enriching and wellbeing focused Bright Beginnings Curriculum.

“We will endeavour to maintain our outstanding grading and will continue working together with our families, enabling children to fulfil their full potential – academically, socially and emotionally.”