A nursery where young children act out stories with props and play with torches to learn about shadows has received Ofsted's highest rating.
Inspectors from the education watchdog visited N Family Club, in Bradley Close, Angel, on May 29 and gave it the top 'outstanding' grade in a report published on June 28.
It received the top rating across the board for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
In the report, inspector Rivka Bick said: "Parents are delighted with the care and education that their children receive in this excellent nursery. They appreciate the incredible effort that staff make each day to ensure that their children are happy, motivated to learn, and make remarkable progress."
The report praised the way staff "ignite a love of literacy" with imaginative storytelling sessions, after which children act out the stories with props and in role-play scenarios.
It described one session in which pre-school children explore how to make shadows using torches, reflective materials, and light beams.
The report praised staff's "high expectations", adding: "They go above and beyond to build strong relationships with their key children, and this is demonstrated in the excellent bonds that children have with staff."
Inspectors said the nursery promotes children's independence, with staff giving them choices to support their sense of self awareness and help them understand how to manage their feelings and emotions from a very young age.
Children with special needs and learning disabilities are identified quickly and youngsters who speak a different language at home are also supported.
The report also praised the way the nursery encourages healthy lifestyles by providing nutritious meals, snacks and plenty of outdoor time.
The nursery, which currently has 87 children aged up to four years old, features its own rooftop garden, specialist messy play areas in the toddler and pre-school rooms, along with a dedicated art studio described in the report as “awe-inspiring”.
Nursery manager Chelsea Biddle said: "I couldn’t be prouder of my team, who offer the most spectacular education to our children.
"Receiving an Ofsted outstanding judgement in all areas of our report is a testimony to their passion and commitment.
"I look forward to continuing to welcome current and future families to our outstanding nursery in Angel.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here