A nursery owner has spoken of her delight at being rated “outstanding” by education watchdog Ofsted.

Little Tree Montessori Nursery in Ferme Park Road, Hornsey, received high praise from inspectorJill Nugent in a report published last Thursday.

The manager’s “excellent leadership” and the “exemplary” behaviour of children were particularly praised by Ms Nugent following her visit in early December.

Owner Cathy Twomey-Brenner, who set up the nursery 25 years ago, said: “We were very happy.

“It makes us feel that we are being recognised for what we are doing here and that recognition is good. I felt the inspector really understood Montessori and what we are doing.”

The nursery was rated “good” following its last inspection in 2010.