Top marks for tots' nursery

Inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) praised almost every aspect of Albion Street Day Nursery, Blackburn, and described it as a setting of very good quality with no significant weaknesses to address.

The social services-run facility supports children from three nearby housing estates.

It also has an outreach class linked to nearby John Smethurst Nursery School.

The inspection report highlights many strengths of the nursery. Inspectors praised Albion Street as a lively and cheerful place where children are happy and eager to learn.

They found the quality of teaching to be good with many examples of outstanding practice and described the staff as an effective and highly committed team.

The report goes on: "An interesting and imaginative programme of activities successfully promotes the children's developing knowledge and understanding of the world. "Personal and social development is also a very strong area of learning which is well supported by the caring and sensitive approach of the staff. The children's behaviour is excellent and sustained throughout sessions."

Among a number of other strengths highlighted by inspectors is the nursery's programme for language literacy and maths as well as physical activity.

The report adds: "The planning of the education programme is excellent and effectively supports the children's learning. In addition, every child has an individual learning plan which identifies specific learning intentions and the staff use assessments effectively to plan their next steps."

Although inspectors could find no significant weaknesses in the nursery, they included two points in an action plan. Albion Street is to develop resources for programmed technology when funds allow and look at ways of encouraging parents and carers to get more involved.

Nursery manager Christine Smalley thanked the team for their dedication and commitment in achieving the excellent report.