A DORSET nursery and preschool “could not be happier” after receiving a good report from Ofsted. 

Tops Gillingham Day Nursery & Preschool, at Middlefield House in Marlott Road, is celebrating having retained its ‘good’ rating.

A recently published report said “warm and friendly” staff are on hand to greet parents and that pupils settle well while being eager to explore the “thoughtfully planned activities”. 

Inspectors from the education watchdog visited the nursery, that facilities around 120 children, on July 3 this year. 

The report stated: “Children form strong relationships with staff and demonstrate they feel safe and secure in their environment.  

“For example, babies giggle and smile as they eat morning snacks together. 

“Staff skilfully engage and interact with children to support their speech, language and communication. 

“They consistently praise children and this helps children become independent and confident learners. 

“All children make good progress in their learning and development. They develop a strong foundation in the knowledge, skills and understanding of the world they need for future learning.” 

It added: “Staff are attentive to children's needs. They show great care and respect to all children. 

“Children know and follow the rules and boundaries and respond positively to staff. For instance, children help wipe the tables and prepare the room for snack and lunch.  

“Children are thoughtful and caring towards their friends. Older children independently use sand timers to share resources.  

“Younger children put blankets over each other as they pretend to sleep in tents in the role-play area.” 

Children have "excellent knowledge" of how to keep themselves healthy, with older children telling inspectors they know which foods are good for them and what sugar does to teeth, the report said.

It added that staff teach children about oral hygiene and support children to brush their teeth every day while "encouraging children to be active throughout the day and help them understand the effect of exercise on their bodies."

Natasha Holgate, nursery manager at Tops Gillingham, said: “I couldn't be happier about our fantastic Ofsted report. 

“I'm incredibly proud of our team for their ongoing hard work in giving the best care to the children in our nursery.  

"Their dedication ensures that every child receives exceptional care and attention. Together, we're creating a nurturing space where all children can grow and succeed.”