A popular St Albans nursery has been crowned the second most recommended in the east of England for two years in succession.

Mount Carmel Kindergarten, based in Sandpit Lane, came second out of 961 nurseries and was recognised as the top recommended nursery in Hertfordshire, following nominations on daynurseries.co.uk – an online guide to day care for parents.

Lucia Federici, who opened the nursery in 1985 together with husband Franco, said: “From the outset our philosophy has been based on one key principle: happy children are successful learners.

“We strive to provide a warm and stimulating environment in which children feel confident to explore and learn through new experiences and are very grateful that this has been recognised.”

Her son Roberto, a qualified Early Years teacher who now works at the nursery with sister Gabriella, said: “It is fantastic that my parents’ hard work over the past 30 years has been recognised through this award.

“They are a real inspiration and despite qualifying as a solicitor I decided that I wanted to follow in their footsteps and continue to grow the nursery school with my sister Gabriella.

“They have devoted their life to it and have provided a loving and nurturing environment to hundreds of preschool children.”

The nursery first opened in Worley Road, then moved to a house in Sandpit Lane in 1991 and then its current purpose built premises down the road in 2000.

Meanwhile, Grasshoppers Day Nursery in St Albans has emerged in the number eight slot in the survey, based on recommendations from parents, relatives and guardians.

Raelene Gash, deputy manager of the York Road nursery said: “We really couldn’t be more delighted or proud because it is our very busy parents who made this award possible.

“They are incredibly supportive of Grasshoppers and instrumental in helping us ensure that every child gets the very best nursery experience. That is why their praise and recommendations mean so much.”