Staff and pupils at a St Albans kindergarten are "absolutely delighted" to receive an outstanding Ofsted report.

During the inspection at Mount Carmel Kindergarten, Ofsted described the school as an "outstanding setting" with a "highly effective and ambitious curriculum".

School principal Gabriella Spooner said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised as outstanding by Ofsted.

"I want to express my gratitude to our wonderful team who are central to our success. 

"The positive and nurturing relationships our staff foster with our Mount Carmel families is at the very heart of our nursery and is why children make so much progress."

Ofsted said: Staff take every opportunity to introduce new words to children, such as 'crunchy' and 'squidgy', as they describe foods they eat for lunch, fully supporting children to develop complex language.Ofsted said: "Staff take every opportunity to introduce new words to children, such as 'crunchy' and 'squidgy', as they describe foods they eat for lunch. (Image: Mount Carmel Kindergarten) Inspectors observed lessons at the Sandpit Lane school and researched its provision of curriculum, environment and staff.

Read More:

Ofsted said: "Staff are exceptionally skilled at engaging with children to support their learning and development.

"They provide an abundance of positive feedback and praise when they complete these tasks, fully supporting children's positive behaviour and building their already-high self-esteem."

Parents also provide overwhelmingly positive feedback about the school.Parents also provide "overwhelmingly positive" feedback about the school. (Image: Mount Carmel Kindergarten) The education watchdog also noted how children are "extremely well behaved" as they learn to show respect for their environment and are "encouraged" to tidy away toys when they have finished.

According to Ofsted, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported as staff ensure that the environment and children's experiences are adapted so that they feel included and have the same learning opportunities as other children.

"Staff are exceptionally good role models", they added. "A focus on emotional regulation and positive behaviour is a core strength in staff that contributes to a calm and nurturing atmosphere, allowing children to be happy, confident learners."

Ofsted also highlighted the children's willingness to learn about "different traditions, clothing, foods and practices", helping them to build an "appreciation and respect" for cultural differences.

The institution has received an upgrade from its initial 'good' Ofsted rating in November 2018.