A DAY nursery in an Essex village has received an “outstanding” report from inspectors despite only being open for six months.Nanny Jo's nursery, in Thorpe-le Soken, was handed the good news by Ofsted inspectors who spent time on site last month.

A DAY nursery in an Essex village has received an “outstanding” report from inspectors despite only being open for six months.

Nanny Jo's nursery, in Thorpe-le Soken, was handed the good news by Ofsted inspectors who spent time on site last month.

The standard of service and the care on offer to the children is so good that inspectors said in their report there was no need to recommend any changes or improvements.

The report commended Nanny Jo's on the “superb use of time and resources” which inspectors felt allowed children to learn at a “calm, gentle and relaxed pace”.

Jo Hearne, who runs the site with husband Steve, said when planning the business, they wanted to provide the type of caring environment where parents would know their children would be loved and stimulated in equal measures.

She said: “The Ofsted report was our proudest moment to date but we have to rate our greatest achievement as seeing the huge smiles on the faces of the children when they come in each morning, eager to play and learn.

“The inspectors commented on our welcoming atmosphere which we believe is a tribute to the commitment of our team here and the support of parents.”

With Jo's 12 years' experience in childcare and Steve's background in teaching, the couple decided to launch their own business in a purpose built barn complex, opening the doors last year.

The report praised the couple's “exciting” plans to develop the play area to include a small petting zoo with pigmy goats, rabbits and guinea pigs as well as a vegetable and flower garden and a woodland activity zone.

The nursery, on Frinton Road, has 83 children aged up to eight enrolled and a highly trained team of staff.