ONE of the region's longest standing day nurseries has received an outstanding rating from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

The University of Exeter Family Centre was established in 1973, and now looks after 56 children of university staff and students aged from six months to five years.

Ofsted regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. The centre achieved Ofsted's highest result of outstanding in all areas.

Manager of 37 years Val Phillips said: "The family centre team has a wealth of experience and there is no substitute for that.

"Everything we do is governed by the needs of the children we care for and their parents; they are at the very heart of all we do.

"If they come to accept us as a part of their extended family then we know we are succeeding. It is a great joy and a great responsibility."