A NURSERY has earned a good rating from education watchdogs.

Watership Downs Nursery, in Maldon, has received a overall good rating in its latest Oftsed report.

The report describes staff as “caring and friendly” and says they “go out of their way to support children and their families”.

One of the main improvement points was that the nursery should “support staff to plan precisely for each child's age and stage of development, so that they make the progress of which they are capable.”

A second area for improvement for the provider is to enhance communication with parents and notify them of any changes in a timely manner.

A spokesman for the nursery said: “We are delighted with our recent Ofsted grading as a 'good' provider.

“Ofsted commented that 'children are safe and settled... very happy in the nursery... and develop good attitudes to learning'.

READ MORE>>> Police seek help identifying woman after floral display stolen from hairdressers

"They also said of the recent baby room addition that babies 'thrive in a calm and nurturing environment'.

“Parental partnership was also praised, with parents saying 'their children develop well, they are communicated to and feel supported by the nursery."

Manager Sharon Kennedy says she is delighted with the report.

She said: “The transition from term-time only pre-school to full-time nursery provision has had its challenges, however they now have the Ofsted seal of approval with a sound 'good'.”