Ofsted has heaped praise on a St Albans nursery school for its "exceptional learning culture", awarding the establishment a coveted outstanding rating.

Highfield Lane Nursery School received top marks from the education watchdog when inspectors visited the school last month.

It retained the prized status obtained at its first inspection in 2016.

The report says: "Children thrive in this exceptional learning environment. They are excited to arrive and become deeply absorbed in the wonderful learning opportunities staff provide."

It gives praise to the "energetic" staff and the role they play in embracing children's interests.

Unique activities were highlighted, such as children making their own air hockey tables out of boxes and chalk.

Inspectors found that these children with special educational needs benefit from "highly experienced and knowledgeable" one-to-one support.

The report also notes that children are taught a sense of responsibility for their possessions.

Staff and management are described as "inspirational" and staff benefit from "highly effective" training to develop their skills.

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The partnership between staff and parents is of an "extremely high standard" with parents able to take an active role in their children's learning and development.

Strong behaviour strategies are in place at the nursery. These help children explore their emotions and understand from a young age the impact that their behaviour can have on those around them.

Inspectors were impressed by the "extensive vocabulary" that children at the nursery possess, using words such as 'capacity' and 'overflow' in their conversations.

The report also found that staff "embrace children's curiosity" and develop their critical thinking skills well.

The safeguarding arrangements at the nursery were deemed to be effective, with the report saying that "there is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first".