A pre-school has been rated as 'outstanding' by Ofsted inspectors just one year after they were told they 'required improvement'.

Chigwell Day Nursery and Pre-School in David Lloyd, Chigwell, were awarded the highest of four ratings, putting them in the top four per cent of nurseries in the United Kingdom, following an inspection last month.

The 'outstanding' rating follows a previous inspection in 2014 branding the nursery as failing for reasons such as not giving children time to think about their responses to questions and staff needing to establish warm relationships with children to make them feel safe and secure.

Nursery Manager Katie Crysell, who was highlighted as an 'inspirational leader' in the 2015 report, said: "My team and I are absolutely thrilled to be recognised for our achievements. 

"We are all over the moon. 

"I believe the strong partnerships with parents and carers, plus the dedication shown by the team, have significantly contributed to the awarding of this accolade.

"Since joining the nursery last year, I am delighted that the setting has managed to attain the highest possible level awarded by Ofsted. 

"It is important to us all here at Chigwell that our passion, professionalism and dedication to every child in our care has been recognised. 

"This is something we are and will continue to be proud of every day.”