A nursery in Alton could be the county’s best after being handed a perfect report card by OfSted inspectors.

Staff and children at Busy Bees @ Chawton Park have been buzzing after the nursery was given an ‘Outstanding’ grade following a recent inspection.

Inspector Jane Franks gave Busy Bees the highest grade in every criteria and lavished praised on its “nurturing and caring” staff and their “highly ambitious curriculum”.

The nursery’s 40 children receive consistent encouragement, show outstanding relationships with their peers and beam with pride at receiving rewards for their achievements according to the report.

The inspector also noted that youngsters make “meaningful connections” with their community through outings to care homes, competitions, bus trips and other “exceptional first-hand experiences”.

She wrote: “The huge range of exciting experiences on offer for children inspires their passion for learning and creates an atmosphere that buzzes with excitement.”

The glue is a “highly ambitious” curriculum which is seamlessly applied, resulting in an “environment where children flourish”.

The 42-place nursery was given a “Good” overall rating at its last inspection in 2018 so the outstanding progress has delighted Helen Parratt and her team.

“I cannot express how proud and humble this has made us all feel,” said the owner and manager.

“As a team we have worked so hard to ensure the children in our care have the best possible experiences and opportunities.”

Priya Edwards, deputy manager, said: “To achieve an outstanding rating is just phenomenal and highlights the dedication of our amazing team.”