A LEOMINSTER nursery has double cause for celebration after achieving the highest rating possible by Ofsted in the same year it is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Bargates Nursery was found to be 'outstanding' in all areas when it was inspected by the regulator in September.

Highlights of the report include finding the 'leadership of the nursery inspirational', that 'exceptional quality of care and learning' is provided and that staff are 'positive role models'.

The report featured other key findings such as the meticulous tracking of each child’s progress, that the children exceed the national average across all areas of learning and that the children enjoy healthy, home cooked meals created by the in-house chef.

The nursery, based at Bargates in Leominster, caters for three-month-old babies to five-year-old pre-schoolers. They also run after school and holiday clubs.

Owner Gill Bilborough created the nursery in 1997 after securing the derelict Leominster British School building which has had a colourful history of education since it was built in 1861.

She said: "We are so proud to be part of the 'team of highly qualified and experienced staff who are passionate about their role' and we love our 'excellent partnership with parents'. Most of all though we feel privileged to share in the early years of so many wonderful children whose 'behaviour is exemplary'. What a way to celebrate our 20th birthday."