A nursery has been given top marks all round by inspectors for the second time.

Abacus Nursery and Childcare Ltd in New Romney got the top grade of outstanding overall and in all four categories from Ofsted.

The same result came from the previous inspection in 2010.

The officials’ report now said: “Children thrive in an exceptionally nurturing and stimulating environment.

“Staff work as a team to deliver high quality teaching. Leadership is highly inspirational.”

The inspectors, who visited on January 5, gave the top grade for the areas of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare, and outcomes of children.

The report said that the staff provide children with an “extensive range of exciting activities,” using space and resources well.

It adds that staff know children exceptionally well and actively promote their interests.

Children make outstanding progress in their learning and are “exceptionally” ready for school.

The report adds: “Parents benefit from excellent relationships with staff.

“The manager (managing director Lisa Evans) is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about her role. She is passionately committed to the well-being and development and the children she works with.”

The inspectors said that staff benefit from very regular training, coaching and support that continues to strengthen and raise their practice.

Mrs Evans said: “We are delighted with the outcome. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication and ambition of the staff team who consistently deliver the highest standards on care and education for every child.

“The report recognises that relationship have been developed between the nursery and the children and their families as excellent, which has led to an inclusive family environment where everyone is valued. A real little community of their own on the Marsh.”

The previous inspection, on November 22, 2010, earned the nursery grades of outstanding in every single area.

This was in the overall assessment, the three categories of leadership, quality of provision and outcomes for children and the 17 sub-areas within those three.

In the inspection before that, as St Nicholas Early Years in April 2006, the centre got the second highest grading of good in all areas.