A 'WARM and welcoming' atmosphere has contributed to an East Oxford nursery's Ofsted success.

Stepping Stones Nursery in Glanville Road has been rated 'good' by the education and childcare regulator.

A report published on Wednesday stated: "The provider, who is also the manager, creates a welcoming and caring environment for all children.

"Staff build warm attachments with the children. Children show that they are settled and happy in their care.

"Parents appreciate the kindness of the staff. They appreciate the time that staff take to get to know them and their child in order to meet their child's individual needs.

"These strong partnerships have a positive impact on children's care and wellbeing."

The Ofsted inspector described staff as as 'good role models' who are 'polite and helpful to each other'.

Her report added: "Staff offer children new to the nursery lots of cuddles and reassurance.

"These young children quickly begin to develop the confidence to begin to explore their new surroundings, confident that the kind staff remain nearby if they need them. "

The privately-owned nursery had 22 children on its roll during the time of inspection in August, and registered as a childcare provider in 2003.

It was previously inspected in 2016, when it also received a rating of 'good' in all areas of assessment.