CHILDREN “flourish” and “thrive” at Crediton nursery and pre-school Leapfrogs, Ofsted has said in its latest inspection.

The education watchdog rated it as having a “strong standard” across six categories including achievement, behaviour, welfare, curriculum, inclusion and leadership after it visited in February.

Ofsted has a scale of five ratings, from “exceptional” to “urgent improvement”. “Strong standard” is the second highest an education institution can attain.

“Children flourish in their learning and development due to an extremely well-designed and expertly delivered curriculum,” an Ofsted spokesperson said of Leapfrogs.

“All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those who face barriers to their learning achieve well and make rapid progress from their starting points.

“Children are developing a wide range of skills and knowledge they need ready for school and beyond.

“Children of all ages speak incredibly confidently in a range of contexts. They ask questions, make comments, and hold lengthy conversations with staff and each other.”

The education watchdog praised staff, saying they “create a motivating environment where children thrive as they engage in a wide range of purposeful learning opportunities.”

“Staff have a secure understanding of each child's starting points and interests,” the spokesperson continued.

“This enables them to provide experiences that help children achieve their individual goals.

“Staff's extremely caring and responsive approach helps children form secure bonds with their key person and the wider team.

“Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum and have high aspirations for every child.

“There is a shared commitment to helping children become confident, independent, resilient, and enthusiastic learners.

“Children confidently seek help, invite staff into their play, and talk about their families and daily experiences, showing they feel safe and valued.

“They beam when they receive praise for their efforts and achievements.”

Ofsted described behaviour at Leapfrogs as “excellent”, with routines and boundaries “clearly embedded”.

“Older children intently listen and show pure enjoyment when staff encourage them to listen the different sounds that letters make in spoken words,” the spokesperson added.

“Young children happily line up ready to go back inside after being thoroughly engaged in physical activities outside. Children understand what staff expect of them.”

Leaders also “promote regular attendance through face-to-face discussions and providing helpful guidance for parents”, which “builds positive habits for the future”.

Leaders have “high ambitions for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)”, and work closely with families to set “personalised, aspirational goals and create a fully inclusive environment where every child feels valued and part of the nursery family”.

To improve, “leaders and those responsible for governance should sustain their work to ensure continued improvement and high standards”, the watchdog said.

“They should focus on creating a transformational impact on the outcomes and experiences of disadvantaged children, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, those who are known (or previously known) to children's social care, and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing.”