TIDDLYWINKS Nursery School has been rated as outstanding in every category by Ofsted inspectors.

Located in Square Street, Ramsbottom, the 84-place nursery opened its doors seven years ago, and was previously the ABC nursery before a takeover.

It caters for children up to the age of 11, and offers day care, creche facilities, a before and after-school club for several schools, holiday and overnight care.

Following its latest inspection, Tiddlywinks has been rated outstanding for the quality and standards of early years provision, how well it meets the needs of the range of children, the contribution of the early provision to the well-being of children, and the effectiveness of the leadership and management of early years provision.

Outstanding is Ofsted’s highest rating.

The inspector said: “Children thrive and are highly motivated to learn as they participate in challenging activities, designed to cap-ture their imagination and interests, in this exceptionally high-quality nursery.

“Staff skilfully build on children's home-based knowledge and experiences, and provide further opportunities for progression.

“They work extremely well together and consistently combine their skills and knowledge effectively to plan a rich, stimulating and exciting environment.”

The 14-strong staff are delighted with the results.

Sophie Mitchell, supervisor, said: “This is a great achievement.”

Toni Brooks, deputy manager, said: “We ensure that we promote, and encourage, each child’s individual learning and development, and the great facilities help to accomplish this.”