A NURSERY at the University of Worcester has been rated outstanding by Ofsted for the second consecutive inspection.

Unitots, which caters for 47 children, was described as being “excellently” managed and providing “high quality” teaching and care.

It comes as the university’s early years training programme also received a positive report from an independent watchdog.

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education, the independent body charged with safeguarding quality and standards in UK universities and colleges, concluded in its audit that the university is "commendable" – the highest possible standard.

Professor David Green, the university's vice chancellor, said: “These outstanding reports from Ofsted and from the QAA are examples of the University’s deep-seated commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for children and young people.

“We want to ensure children get the best possible start in life, whether that is through the teachers and early years professionals we train, or by putting professional skills in to direct practice in the university’s nursery.

“Across the world it is recognised that high quality education and care for young children is the essential foundation for successful future human development.

"This means working with, and supporting, mothers, fathers and their young children. Congratulations to all in our nursery and early years teams for achieving such outstanding results.”

The Ofsted report rates Unitots as outstanding in every aspect of the inspection.

It read: “Throughout the nursery children are animated and eagerly engage in all activities supported by enthusiastic and vibrant staff.”

Unitots manager Hazel Rutherford said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a second consecutive 'grade one outstanding’ from Ofsted, which recognises the high quality and standards of our practice and provision.

"We are particularly pleased as changes to standards and the inspection framework has led to a reported down turn in outcomes for settings.”

Ann Jordan, head of the university’s Institute of Education, said: “I am delighted that the high quality provision of our early years training programme has been recognised for the second time running by the QAA and that a number of exceptional features were identified in the report.”