PLAYGROUP staff have been praised by inspectors for their "contagious enthusiasm and support."

Ofsted inspectors said there were no significant weaknesses in the way children were taught at Longridge's Berry Lane Playgroup.

But they also suggested opportunities to improve the children's emerging mathematical knowledge in everyday situations, such as counting, shape, space and measure, should be sought.

Inspectors also suggested the group provides more opportunities for the children to appreciate written English.

The playgroup, which opened in the early 1970s and operates from the church hall, is run by supervisor Christine Hall.

There are are four paid staff, three paid helpers and it has the support of regular parent volunteers.

Currently, there are 64 children on roll aged between two and five years. Twohave special educational needs.

The inspectors said they felt the group provides a stimulating and supportive environment where the children are making good progress. They enjoy a wide range of exciting activities which are well planned and well resourced and which encourage new skills and creativity.

They also praised the way language, communication and literacy was actively encouraged during circle talks and taking turns to chat. They said the children's knowledge of the outside world was also being explored through visits to the local library and the school wildlife garden. Staff also expect and get good behaviour from the children, it said.

Mrs Hall, who does the bulk of the organising and teaching, said she was very pleased with the inspectors' report.

She said: "Everyone here works as team and puts a great deal of effort and enthusiasm into the play group.

"It is always nice to know that all the hard work everyone has done has paid off and I hope parents will continue to have confidence in the happy learning environment their children are in."