A TRAILBLAZING nursery has been singled out for high praise by Chief Inspector of Schools Chris Woodhead.

Outstanding work by all associated with Padgate Nursery has earned the pre-school an honourable mention from Mr Woodhead in a report to the House of Commons.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of a successful OFSTED report with inspectors impressed by what they saw when they visited last May.

Revealing the secret of their success, headteacher Lindsay Bray believes the recognition is due to the sense of purpose running through the Padgate Lane school.

Mrs Bray told the GUARDIAN: "It is a very caring school where the parents and staff have a unified purpose - to achieve the best for the children.

"The children are involved in everything that we do to offer a high standard of education and care."

Inspectors also remarked on the provisions made for youngsters with special needs, a factor the school is especially proud of.

Mrs Bray, seconded to the council's education department to develop nursery education, added: "The equal opportunites for all children and the commitment to give everyone the chance to excel were reflected in the report."

The 120-strong nursery is unique - it is the only educational establishment of its kind not associated with a primary or infants school.

Congratulating the nursery, education chairman Clr Harry Shaw said: "It is an acknowledgement of the hard work by all staff at the school."

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