A Burnley nursery headteacher has said “we are on a journey and there is still work to do” after its Ofsted rating rose to “good”.

Whitegate Early Years Care, based in Victoria Road, saw its rating increase from “requires improvement” to “good” after an inspection on August 15.

Having achieved an ‘outstanding’ rating in 2015, the nursery dropped to ‘requires improvement’ after the Covid-19 pandemic and has redeveloped the curriculum to improve standards.

The report stated children settled in well to the 'safe and nurturing setting' and staff had worked hard to address the actions from the last inspection.

This included a 'clear and ambitious' curriculum which meant children were making good progress and staff understood how to sequence children’s learning.

On the result, Catherine Tasker, headteacher at Whitegate Early Years, said: “We were pleased with the outcome and that it did reflect the hard work that all the staff have put into developing the curriculum for our youngest children.

“We are on a journey and there is still work to do.”

The nursery was also praised for its ability to develop children’s skills, with a focus on communication and speech.

The report said: “Staff take time to listen to children, they repeat the words children say and give children time to respond in conversation.

“Staff consistently model kind and caring behaviour, they encourage children to turn take and share. This helps children to know what behaviours are expected of them.”

Physical development is also essential when planning the curriculum and children learn to climb and balance at a local obstacle course.

Gaps in the children’s knowledge are also identified and staff work closely with parents to develop a consistent approach to make good progress.

The report continued: “Staff support children's good behaviour. They teach children to listen and join in group activities such as singing times.

“Children develop positive attitudes to their learning that will help them as they progress to nursery and school.”

The arrangements for safeguarding are considered to be effective and children’s interest are put first.