A newly opened nursery has achieved an "outstanding" rating in its first-ever Ofsted inspection.
The Nurtury Day Nursery & Preschool in Catford, was rated "outstanding" in all four categories after an inspection on October 28, 2024.
Owner Roshni Patel-Westhead said: "What makes our achievement all the more special is that we’ve grown from starting our nursery from scratch to being rated outstanding in all four categories of the inspection in just over two years."
The nursery, which has 22 members of staff, was praised for providing an exceptional standard of care and education.
The report described the nursery and staff as "welcoming, nurturing, and inspiring," forming "close, supportive relationships with children, making them feel safe and secure."
Children at the nursery were described to "show superb behaviour, positive attitudes, and a strong sense of belonging."
The curriculum was described as highly ambitious, rich, and sequenced, and tailored to children’s individual needs.
Outdoor learning was said to be emphasised, with activities that challenge physical abilities and encourage exploration.
The nursery was praised for its "exceptional support" for children with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language.
The report said the nursery’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a positive culture prioritising children’s safety and well-being.
Mrs Patel-Westheadsaid: "It’s often a cliché, but there really is a feeling of something special being built at The Nurtury.
"We are a real family – the team, the parents, and the children.
"Our parent partnership is the icing on the cake, creating a real family feel.
"We always say we’re not a childminding service; we’re here to provide top-quality education, and our parents really buy into our ethos."
The nursery was also praised for its focus on healthy lifestyles, with children benefiting from outdoor activities, learning oral hygiene, and enjoying freshly prepared organic meals.
Mrs Patel-Westhead said: "It may not be as cost-effective to have our own private chef, but we believe in providing nutritious meals for our children.
"The preparation and serving are all growth opportunities for our curious little learners."
The nursery, which has a capacity of 61 places with 55 children currently enrolled, has 22 members of staff.
There are two staff members with level six qualifications and nine with level two/three.
The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, year-round.
Mrs Patel-Westhead said: "At a time when so many early years settings are struggling, we’re extremely grateful to be able to provide such an important education for our children – a real home away from home.
"Our outdoor space is our centrepiece, with every aspect designed with early years in mind.
"Children can play in our large sand area, climb our central slide, and explore mud kitchens, a playhouse, and even bike sheds with living roofs, bringing nature to every element of our garden."
The nursery also offers extra-curricular opportunities like French lessons, museum trips, and swimming sessions, ensuring children have the best start to their education.
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