PUPILS and staff are celebrating a hat-trick of outstanding watchdog reports.

New Bridge Nursery School in Montague Street, Caversham landed its third outstanding grade in a row.

Lisa Bedlow, executive head teacher, said she was extremely proud of the efforts made by her team to land the prestigious accolade.

She said: “Our staff work extremely hard and are highly committed to offering the best education and care possible through massive times of change.

“Despite a reducing budget, we continue to lobby for the recognition of early years education and to stop further budget cuts.”

Following a one-day visit to the nursery this month, an Ofsted inspector wrote a glowing report.

They wrote: "Children develop positive attitudes to learning.

"They are self-assured and confident because staff skilfully nurture and encourage them to explore their environment and discover new and interesting experiences.

"Parents spoke to me about the confidence and independence their children develop in their time at the nursery.

"One parent’s comment reflected the views of others: ‘New Bridge genuinely takes joy in creating fun, magical and special environments for the children each day.”

New Bridge Nursery School has 130 places for children from aged three. It has a popular resource for children with Autism.

The inspector found children's learning was well planned and youngsters enjoyed creative activities.

The report continues: "The school’s vision, ‘Challenging minds in a changing world’, is a reality at New Bridge Nursery School. This is because adults capture special moments with children to move their learning forward and skilfully build on what children already know and can do.”

Cllr Tony Jones, Reading Borough Council's lead member for education, added: "I would like to congratulate Executive Head Teacher Lisa Bedlow and everyone else at New Bridge Nursery School for achieving their third consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted judgement.

“The management, staff and children should all be proud of the excellent comments made in the inspector’s report.”