AN Ofsted report has praised the quality and standards of care at Royston s Sunhill nursery. The inspector reported how children were cared for in a comfortable, clean environment, and believed there to be adequate space to offer a wide range of activiti

AN Ofsted report has praised the quality and standards of care at Royston's Sunhill nursery.

The inspector reported how children were cared for in a comfortable, clean environment, and believed there to be adequate space to offer a wide range of activities.

The report added: "Their immediate safety, health, and welfare is well promoted, because staff understand and promote children's good health."

It was noted that manager Theresa Rushton had secure knowledge of the foundation stage, but this was not consistent across the staff group.

Mrs Rushton, who teaches the pre-school group, said: "I am extremely pleased with this report, which confirms Sunhill Daycare's commitment to providing quality childcare and pre-school education in Royston despite the loss of one of our premises 18 months ago.

"Ofsted acknowledged the consistent commitment of all Royston staff to the care and well being of the children in our care.

"However, their commitment concerning junior staff and pre-school education is no reflection on them, merely the fact they have not yet attended the necessary courses, because this age group is small enough for me to take at present."

The nursery is the first day nursery in the area to be inspected under the more rigorous Ofsted standards introduced in 2005.

The Ofsted report detailed how children with learning difficulties or disabilities, and those for whom English is not a first language, receive good support.

Staff were also praised for establishing working relationships with parents and extended families.

Quality assurance manager Tina Deveney said: "Sunhill Daycare imposes its own continuous quality assurances standards by unannounced visits to ensure consistent quality throughout our nursery chain, not just during an Ofsted inspection.