CHILDREN in Oxford’s most deprived community are being set on the path to success with an ‘inspirational’ start to their education.

A nursery in Rose Hill has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in all areas, for nurturing young minds and helping children to grow a ‘thirst for knowledge’.

The Co-operative Childcare Rose Hill in Carole’s Way gained the regulator’s best rating after an inspection in April, during which it had 100 children on its roll.

A report published at the end of May stated: “Children make outstanding progress right from the start [and] their engagement in learning is exceptional.

“They move around the exciting learning environment with great purpose, becoming fully engrossed in what they are doing.

“They develop a thirst for knowledge and an inquisitive mind, and learn to be very kind and tolerant towards each other.”

According to an Oxford City Council study in 2015, Rose Hill and Iffley had the highest level of overall deprivation of any Oxford ward.

It was also in the top two per cent of the most deprived areas in the whole of England for levels of education.

But Ofsted said the nursery, which is next to Rose Hill Community Centre, helped children to become ‘highly motivated’ learners.

Its report added: “Staff are rightly proud of the inspirational care and education that they all play their part in providing.

“They plan innovative experiences that promote children's good health and physical well-being.

“Partnerships with parents are exemplary. There is a real sense of shared purpose.”

The nursery, which cares for children aged 0-4, is run by the Midcounties Co-Operative Limited and was previously rated ‘good’ following its last inspection in 2014.

It has consistently been given positive reports by Ofsted since opening in 2004, but this is its first 'outstanding'.

Nursery manager Lorna Bishop said: “It’s so important to us that we work with both parents and the children to enable us to build a nursery where every child’s individual learning and care is supported.

“We were so gratified by the report, which highlighted our strong relationships with parents and highly effective and focussed care, to make sure our children are engaged in all aspects of their nursery life.”

Tomorrow the nursery will throw a party to celebrate the achievement, and said both existing and prospective families are welcome to join them from 10am-2pm.

The Co-operative Childcare has five other nurseries in Oxfordshire - at Oxford railway station, the John Radcliffe Hospital, Blackbird Leys, Witney and Carterton.

Rose Hill has become the leader of the pack, with all others currently rated 'good'.