A preschool has scored top marks for its “exceptional setting” and providing children with the “highest care and education”.

Ofsted inspectors have rated City Way Day Nursery in Rochester as “outstanding” overall, praising staff for being “incredibly passionate” and “proactive”.

And it was cheers all around at a special party as teachers, children and parents also celebrated the group’s 25th anniversary at its current site.

The education watchdog highlighted how the team learn and speak a range of different languages to help children settle in and use sign language to help them communicate.

In turn, the little ones learn how to say “hello” and “goodbye” in their friends’ home languages to make them feel welcome.

Leaders and managers also support parents in learning English by employing translators, which helps them gain qualifications and get jobs.

As a direct result, children with English as an additional language make excellent progress.

Healthy living is high on the agenda with yoga sessions and wholesome dietary education.

They learn how blueberries help their brains develop and how vitamins in carrots help their eyesight while an in-house chef encourages eating a wide range of foods.

The school at the Star Hill end of City Way provides specialist support on topics such as bereavement, separation and divorce.

The report from the education watchdog states: “There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interests first.”

A love of books and reading is encouraged among all ages with babies demonstrating excitement when joining in with their favourite rhymes.

The judging panel said: “Parents talk incredibly highly of the progress their children make and how they feel part of the family.

Ofsted rated the preschool outstanding in all four categories - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, development, and leadership and management - following January’s visit.

This is an upgrade from the overall “good” rating at the last inspection in April 2019.

There are currently 78 on the school roll and 28 members of staff.

Manager Sara Daly said: "I am extremely proud that Ofsted has recognised how our incredibly hard-working and ambitious staff have gone above and beyond to support the children, families, and the local community, describing us as an ‘exceptional setting’ that provides all children with the highest quality care and education.

“We are extremely thankful for the incredible support we have received from parents in what Ofsted described as our ‘unwavering commitment to making a difference.’"

Joining parents and managers Geeta Kaur and Elizabeth Brown at the party were Rochester and Strood MP Lauren Edwards, Medway Council deputy leader Cllr Teresa Murray, Cllr Tracy Coombs who is portfolio holder for education, and Cllr Joanne Howcroft-Scott, who is chairman of children and young people committee.