A nursery has been praised for creating a safe and nurturing learning environment.
Little Oaks at Muddy Boots, located on Oak Road in Penrith, was found to be meeting all expected standards during a recent Ofsted inspection.
The report highlighted that children are "well cared for and safe at this welcoming nursery," and described them as "curious and motivated learners" who "arrive happy and ready to learn."
Inspectors commended the nursery’s support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), its strong relationships with families, and its calm learning environment.
The report also noted that leaders are "committed to their roles and are passionate about providing high-quality care and education for the children and families that attend."
Gerry Garvey, nursery manager, said staff were delighted with the outcome of the inspection.
Mr Garvey said: "We all are extremely thrilled of the outcome of the inspection in that we were judged meeting the expected standards in all areas.
"We were very conscious on the day of the inspection that a raft of legislation had recently been introduced around safer sleeping, safeguarding and changes to the Early Years Welfare Requirements.
"There had been a short timespan from the introduction of these changes to the inspection to embed these changes, however we did and this was acknowledged during the inspection."
He expressed his appreciation for everyone involved in the nursery’s success.
Mr Garvey said: "I am extremely grateful and proud to the daily input of nursery life by our wonderful staff, children and their parents, that makes our nursery such a fantastic learning environment."
While the report was overwhelmingly positive, Ofsted did identify areas for improvement.
Inspectors recommended strengthening procedures for monitoring and supporting staff, as well as improving staff understanding of the nursery's curriculum aims.
It was also noted that supervision and coaching by room leaders was not always as effective as that provided by senior leaders, which affected consistency across the setting.
Mr Garvey said the nursery had already identified and begun addressing one of the key improvement points before the inspection.
He said: "Prior to the inspection we had already noted and made plans in relation to one of our next steps.
"We were recommended to look at strengthening the procedures in place for monitoring and supporting staff and their professional development.
"As this was already in progress and we were able to identify and evidence this to the inspector, it was agreed that this would remain one of our next steps, as we would require further time to embed and evaluate at a later stage."
He also confirmed that the nursery had successfully implemented new requirements relating to safer sleeping, safeguarding, and welfare standards ahead of the inspection, which was recognised in the report.
Ofsted praised the nursery’s reflective approach and willingness to embrace improvements, noting that children develop a strong sense of belonging.
The nursery cares for children from birth to three years old and has capacity for up to 48 children.
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