THE tots were certainly jolly after a child-minding group in Borehamwood received two outstanding OFSTED reports.

Jollytots, was launched by Michelle Levene in 1990 at her home in Anthony Road as she was keen for her toddler Charly to mix with other children.

Now the group is run from Mrs Levene’s home and a second home in Tilehouse Close run by Annabel Green.

Reports released by OFSTED last month after an inspection in December gave both groups the highest score of one or outstanding in every category including the children’s safety, their healthy lifestyle and whether the children develop skills for the future.

The report for the Anthony Road branch said: “Children are having a wonderful time because the childminder values and respects them as individuals. There is an excellent range of resources, which the childminder uses to plan a very rich learning environment.

“The provision for their safety and welfare is exemplary. Highly effective systems for self-evaluation lead to continuous improvement in the childminder's service. The childminder is constantly looking to develop her skills through attending training courses and by keeping abreast of childcare issues.”

The report for the Tilehouse Close branch said: “The childminder provides an extremely warm and caring environment for children. Children make excellent progress in their learning and development through the childminder's in-depth knowledge and understanding of them and a high priority is attached to children's welfare.

"This creates an exceptionally inclusive environment where children's individual needs are met in full.

“The exemplary relationship the childminder shares with parents, carers and other providers ensures that they work together very effectively to meet children's individual needs.

"The highly motivated childminder is able to evaluate her practice very well and has an excellent ability to develop her childcare provision for the benefit of the children.”

Mrs Levene said: “We’re very happy to have received such a great report but I believe there is always room for self-reflection.

“What might be outstanding today may not be tomorrow so it’s very important to recognize that.”

Mrs Green said: “I’m really pleased with the result and want to thank all the staff for all their hard effort.

“The way we run the groups have certainly changed over the years with more paperwork but we love looking after the children and think these early years are a very important learning time in their life.

“It was a glowing report and to get outstanding for every aspect is great news.”