STAFF at a Hull pre-school say their "outstanding" status is all down to the children.
Westcott Tots Playgroup in east Hull is celebrating after education watchdog Ofsted awarded it top marks – bringing it up from a "good" to "outstanding" pre-school.
Staff were praised for their high standards and providing children with "rich, varied and imaginative experiences", earning the nursery a grade one for every aspect of early years' education.
Manager Lesley Folger has worked there for 21 years and could not be prouder.
She said: "The children have got this for us.
"They are absolutely amazing. They are so bright and lovely. They make the job so much easier. We are all over the moon."
The report praised children for being "highly motivated" with "boundless enthusiasm" and described staff's understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage as "excellent".
Inspector Caroline Basham paid particular attention to the garden, where children water vegetables and search for mini-beasts with magnifiying glasses.
Care for children with special needs was described as "exceptional" and she commented on how all children had "strong, secure, emotional attachments" to the six staff members.
Ms Basham wrote: "Children's individual likes and interests are captured exceptionally well and used to enhance learning both in and outdoors.
"Children are developing a wealth of knowledge about the world around them and are learning to care for living things within the outdoor environment. Staff are superb role models and enthusiastically join in play with the children.
"Children settle quickly into playgroup and show high levels of confidence and self-esteem. They feel extremely safe."
Westcott Tots Playgroup opened in 1988 to provide early education for three to four-year-old children. There are currently 39 children, including a few with special educational needs and disabilities.
Ms Folger said the report showed all their hard work had been worthwhile.
"It is a tiring job but we know the children are in good stead for when they go out on their own," she said. "It gives us all a great sense of satisfaction.
"We are only a small unit, but there is a family atmosphere – one parent told us it's like bringing them to grandma's house. That was lovely to hear because it tells us their children feel safe and happy."
