A Merseyside nursery's patient and nurturing approach to looking after children has landed it the top rating from Ofsted for the second time running.
1st Steps Day Nursery in Bootle currently looks after around 90 children aged four and under, as well as a handful of older youngsters.
The centre on Irlam Road has just received its second 'outstanding' rating - and describes itself as a "unique place where children think, play, problem solve and learn together with adults in a happy, safe and stimulating environment".
A glowing report following an inspection on July 18 calls the entire preschool a "hub of excellence" and goes on to say that staff know children well and have the "highest expectations" for them, and their families.
The new top rating comes just weeks after the Department for Education acknowledged that the proportion of schools rated "good" or "outstanding" by Ofsted has fallen over the past two years.
Inspectors say children attending 1st Steps make "excellent progress" and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Their behaviour is "exemplary" and they "learn about friendships, responsibility and including others very well".
The report goes on to say: "Managers are awe-inspiring and are are committed to ensuring that every child receives the very best start. They continually go above and beyond to provide seamless support to families.
"Staff are inspirational and provide teaching that is worthy of sharing with others.
"Babies smile with delight as they copy actions to their favourite rhymes.
"Younger children's laughter permeates throughout the setting as they hold hands with their friends to play games and sing songs."
The nursery's directors, Alex Walker and Bev Bowden say they are "thrilled" to have been rated 'outstanding' again.
Alex said: "Having been raised in Bootle, it has always been important having a business where we grew up.
"1st Steps is a family-run business that has grown from strength to strength over the years in this community. We can and do relate to our children and parents and offer advice and support wherever necessary.
"On the day [of the inspection], parents queued to speak to the inspector, and a dozen or more emails were received for her perusal.
"So much hard work goes into the day to day running of a nursery behind the scenes which is often ignored, but the response from parents was quite overwhelming and these responses contributed to the overall inspection rating.
"We’ve had a difficult year and have had to close waiting lists in both nurseries due to the national shortage of qualified staff, however, our team have been amazing.
"They work very hard to ensure that each child is cared and planned for on an individual basis.
"We truly believe that 1st Steps is a place 'where every little step matters', and it's wonderful to know the parents think so too."
