A nursery where babies "gain a positive sense of self" and toddlers "play co-operatively" has been rated outstanding.

Bright Horizons North Finchley Day Nursery and Preschool, in Moss Hall Hotel, Moss Hall Crescent, received the top rating following Ofsted's visit on April 30.

Inspectors upgraded its scores for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership management from 'good' to the highest, 'outstanding'. 

The report, published on June 4, praises the practitioners for providing children stimulating activities, and a "harmonious environment" where children at all stages of development are inspired to learn.

Describing how "children arrive and are greeted warmly by staff", inspectors wrote: "Children play co-operatively across the nursery's harmonious environment.

"Staff have an excellent understanding of how children learn and how to implement the curriculum. They sing, sign and make expert use of objects when children need additional support."

The report said pupils "gain a positive sense of self" from an early age and as they grow they develop "strong independence and self-help skills" and are able to follow toilet and handwashing routines and begin recognising their names.

Inspectors praised the way staff "listen and value what children have to say", adding: "Children's exemplary behaviour, confidence and respect for others demonstrates the impact of staff's high-quality practice."

Early maths ability is a strong focus, with toddlers learning to add numbers and halve them, the report says.

It outlined how staff develop children's language and communication skills by mixing dough and introducing  new vocabulary, such as 'solid', 'soggy' and 'tough' to describe its consistency.

The report adds: "Children are remarkably motivated learners with tremendously positive attitudes to learning. Staff provide children with the most stimulating activities. Children of all stages of development are inspired to learn and are deeply engaged in their activities."

The nursery's manager, Sharon, said she was "so proud" of her team. 

"It’s great to see how our nurturing interaction with the children was recognised in the inspection.

"Our team continue to provide high quality early years education where we support and nurture each child to progress and develop through our nurture approach. We support children to develop valuable skills so that they can cope with challenges and build positive relationships with others as they learn and grow.”