OFSTED inspectors have given top marks to a Nelson nursery school which has overcome most of the problems of the past.

What Newtown Nursery now does well far outweighed its weaknesses, said the report which concluded that the 102-pupil nursery gave good value for money. The inspectors found the quality of teaching good or better in over 75 per cent of lessons and none was unsatisfactory.

The report said: "The school has overcome most of the weaknesses identified in the last inspection four years ago.

"Planning of teachers' work is much more consistent now and so are the standards achieved in all areas of learning."

Children's progress was assessed more regularly and detailed records kept and improvements had been made in provision for spiritual and cultural development.

The report added: "The school has set itself clear and realistic targets for the future and is well set to sustain its improvement." Parents expressed unanimous approval for the school and the head teacher was praised for providing clear direction.

One area of weakness identified by the inspection team was that some children were helped too much and this limited their independence.

Chairman of governors Mary Thomas said: "We are delighted with this excellent report.

"Everyone associated with the nursery can feel justifiably proud of this achievement and are working to address those few areas the inspectors have drawn attention to."

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