A NURSERY school was given top marks after a visit by OFSTED inspectors.

Officers found the 46-pupil Howard Street Nursery was "an effective school with a significant number of strengths."

Their report said children's attainment met national expectations in all areas of learning and "their knowledge and understanding of the world exceeds them."

It adds: "Children attained consistently well in all areas of mathematics" and had positive attitudes to their work, with standards of behaviour "very good", providing "a positive impact on children's attainment and progress"

But there was criticism of outdoor lessons where there was often "a lack of adult direction and opportunities."

Governors' chairman Maurice Tate welcomed the report: "It shows the quality of teaching and learning is first class.

"The Governors are really pleased that the efforts of the staff have been recognised and praised by the OFSTED team."

Headmistress Dorothy Tomlinson said the school was not resting on its laurels.

"The OFSTED team identified a weakness in outdoor play and in our accident recording, which we are already addressing and will figure significantly in our Action Plan which will be used to guide the school into the 21st century."

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