IT has no running water, flushing toilets or electricity but a nursery which meets in a remote forest setting in the middle of nowhere has just been graded Outstanding in all areas.

Elves and Fairies Outdoor Nursery is certain to divide opinion among parents with its unconventional approach to childcare.

But the opinion of the government inspectors was not in doubt when they described it as "inspirational" and said staff "offer exceptional support and challenge in everything the children do."

The nursery meets in the stunning grounds of Edmondsham House, situated in a tiny hamlet between Verwood and Cranborne.

Children spend most of their time outdoors, only retreating to the nearby village hall if weather conditions are "dangerous, such as a strong gale."

Staff are firmly behind the opinion that "there is no such thing as bad weather - only the wrong clothing."

On the day the Daily Echo visited, we were greeted by a group of children, mainly aged two and three, decked out in wellies, waterproof clothing and hats.

We watched as they set off across a field, pushing a trolley full of essentials, to the nursery setting.

They sang songs around a campfire and wallowed in a mud pit before chopping vegetables for their lunch, to be cooked on the fire.

It was a clear day and we were told the children would be outside all day, even for a sleep.

Tiny babies sometimes attend with parents or grandparents but most of the children are in the toddler group or kindergarten, which caters for youngsters up to the age of seven.

Some are home-schooled and some are also members of the Waldorf kindergarten, meaning they will not start school until they are six or seven.

Little ones grow their own herbs and vegetables, which they chop themselves before cooking on camp fires, and they take part in many creative pursuits such as weaving and bread making.

There are no formal literacy or numeracy lessons but the children learn through play.

At £37,50 for a full day and £25 for a five-hour session, it is also cheaper than the average nursery.

Ofsted said children are "highly motivated by the extremely exciting range of challenging learning experiences, show high levels of concentration and perseverance to achieve goals and demonstrate tremendous confidence as they join in with discussions”."

Nursery owner Kirsteen Freer said being outdoors gives youngsters the chance to experience wildlife and to appreciate their surroundings.

She added: "Many children are out of touch with the natural world as their lives mainly take place inside, surrounded by modern technology. They are unable to experience the changing of the seasons and the many different kinds of weather that we have in Britain, unless they are spending long periods of time outside."

An open day is being held at the nursery on Sunday May 7, both from 11am until 3pm. More information is available at elves-fairieswoodlandnursery.co.uk or call Kirsteen on 01725 517807.