A NURSERY set up to look after the children of staff at Oxford’s Churchill Hospital has received Ofsted’s highest rating.

Julia Durbin Nursery, in the grounds of the hospital site in Old Road, Headington, was visited in August by inspectors who rated it outstanding in 15 out of the 17 categories.

In her report, inspector Gill Little praised the nursery for “exceptional partnerships with parents and exceptional levels of communication and continuity for the children in its care”.

She said: “The staff’s commitment to meeting individual children’s needs is exemplary and has a very positive impact on every child.

“The staff team are very ambitious and receive excellent support from management to achieve outstanding outcomes for children.”

Nursery manager Emma Wallbridge said staff were “amazed” when they received the news.

She said: “There were tears and laughter and we were absolutely relieved and thrilled.

“Inspections can be quite daunting and we have been working hard towards getting an outstanding rating.”

Some 168 children under the age of eight go to the nursery, including those with special needs or disabilities.

The nursery is so popular it has a long waiting list, though school staff say it has yet to turn anyone away.

Natasha Turner, 34, from Cuddesdon, has two children at the nursery, 15-month-old William and Isabelle, who is nearly four.

She said: “I looked at just about every nursery in Oxford before deciding on here.

“My children have always been happy there and so excited about going in.”