Quality and standards at a children's nursery in Carlisle are at the "highest levels" thanks to its "truly inspirational" staff.

Government inspectors have discovered that "vast changes" have taken place at Yewkids Nursery since their last visit four years ago.

The nursery, which operates from Yewdale Community Centre on Hutton Way in the west of the city, has been judged to be "outstanding" - the highest possible ranking - following the recent visit from Ofsted.

It is an improvement on its 2012 inspection when it was found to be "good".

Key findings are:

  • Managers and leaders are "truly inspirational and show admirable enthusiasm". They have made vast changes...to raise the quality of their provision to the highest levels
  • Quality of teaching is outstanding. Observations and assessments of children's learning are accurate and meticulously detailed. Planning is sharply focused around children's next steps and interests, which contributes towards all youngsters making outstanding progress in their learning
  • Staff "truly nurture" children's emotional well-being and provide "exceptional support when they need it most"
  • Links with parents are "superb"
  • Children are inspired to "explore, explore and explore some more" in surroundings that are "extremely exciting and inspiring"

Many changes have taken place under the leadership of childcare manager Jude Coupland, who started work at Yewkids Nursery in August 2013.

She believes its focus on the importance of play has been key to the nursery's growing success.

"Play takes a great deal of effort for children, they are constantly thinking about what they are doing, what they want to achieve in their play and what they don’t want – so they are constantly problem solving, trying to manage social situations and conflicts and assessing themselves by persevering," said Miss Coupland.

"We believe that play should never be undervalued. We observe the children not only to understand at what stage their development is at but to understand why they are actually behaving in certain ways.

"This might mean we re-evaluate and change routines and environments to suit the needs of our children."

Yewkids Nursery has nine staff, who work closely with Yewdale Community Centre.

The nursery's children often access other activities that are taking place at the community centre, including carpet bowls and trampolining.

Staff will soon be forging links with the "Soup at Sandsfield" volunteers from Sandsfield Community Church, who are based at the centre, to offer healthy lunch workshops for parents and children.

Work is also due to start this month (OCT) on a cycle track, bike racks and shelter in an unused area of the community centre site to encourage the nursery's young children to walk or use their bikes or scooters.

Community centre manager Steve Carter said: "I’m immensely proud of the whole team. They are passionate about childcare and strive to make our nursery the best it possibly can be. It is a pleasure to support such a committed team".

Yewkids Nursery, which opened in 1997, caters for two, three and four year olds.