A nursery where children "relish" learning has been praised highly in a new Ofsted report.

The education watchdog rated St Thomas A Becket Nursery in Eastbourne outstanding and lauded staff for their "inspiring leadership and management".

It is the first time the school has received the top rating.

The inspector, Liz Caluori, said children gain "tremendous benefit" from spending time in the nursery, which they described as "an exceptionally well-run and welcoming setting".

In the report, published on October 4, Ms Caluori said: "Leaders and staff very successfully create an environment where each child's physical and emotional wellbeing is prioritised and expertly nurtured.

"The calm, consistent and very caring approach of staff supports children to understand and manage their emotions and they learn to behave well. With the support of staff, children become highly motivated and independent learners. All children receive the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. They enthusiastically take part in the broad range of activities provided and confidently use knowledge they have gained over time."

The nursery, in the town's Tutts Barn Lane, provides care to 41 children aged between two and five.

It was rated outstanding in all four categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

READ MORE: Ofsted praises school in new report

"Younger children relish learning through discovery and trial and error," the report continues.

"They show very mature levels of focus, undaunted when their first attempts are unsuccessful. For example, children use their rapidly developing problem-solving skills to create impressive constructions. They also work together to construct complex assault courses.

"Staff understand the importance of enabling children to test their own physical capabilities and to learn to assess and manage risks independently."

Leaders were praised for how they ensure children are "emotionally secure".

The report reads: "They go above and beyond expectations of their roles to work with parents to achieve this. The time, emotional support and practical help that managers and staff dedicate to helping individual families have a significant impact on outcomes for children.

"In addition, leaders use their comprehensive knowledge of local services to link parents to professionals and agencies who can provide targeted support. Parents' feedback is extremely positive."