CHILDREN have dressed as superheroes and paraded round a York square after their nursery school was hailed as “outstanding” by Ofsted.

The education watchdog said St Paul’s Nursery in St Paul’s Square, Holgate, was a “highly valued part of the community,” with parents very appreciative of all that it offered.

In a glowing report it said the view of one parent typified that of the vast majority: “An absolutely fabulous nursery. My child has grown into a creative explorer.”

The nursery was given an outstanding verdict in Ofsted’s last report, but now says there have since been further improvements in children’s creativity, understanding of the natural environment and ability to be independent.

The report said: “Teaching is outstanding. Very imaginative approaches inspire children and extend their experiences of the world around them.

“Excellent initiatives give children a good grounding in music, an excellent understanding of nature and the capacity to make decisions for themselves.

“Children make excellent gains in their physical development and towards the early stages of reading, writing and mathematics.”

The report also said behaviour and safety were excellent and parents were unanimous their children were looked after and cared for very well.

Disabled children and those with special educational needs received excellently managed support and the school promoted excellent levels of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and the headteacher had a crystal-clear view of the school’s direction, which was shared by all staff. “Brave and very astute decisions have improved the school.”

Children dressed as superheroes yesterday and took part in a parade around St Paul’s Square to celebrate the belief that everyone in the nursery was a superhero in their own way.

Headteacher Vicky Marshall thanked staff for their hard work and dedication. She said: “We are really pleased to receive such a glowing report that truly reflects the creative journey we have been on since I joined the school in September 2011.”

Coun Janet Looker, Cabinet member for Education at City of York Council, said: “This result – in the most rigorous Ofsted Framework yet – is very well deserved.”

She said her ambition was that every child or young person in York should attend a school, early years setting or children’s centre that was rated as being good or outstanding.