A NURSERY in Nelson has been singled out as ‘outstanding’ by education inspectors who were impressed by the rapid progress made by youngsters.

Bradley Nursery, in Bradley Road East, received top ratings for pupil achievement, teaching quality, the behaviour of youngsters and leadership and management.

And inspectors from Ofsted are confident that the nursery can maintain its standards for 2013, after visiting for two days in November.

Lead inspector David Byrne said: “After starting school with very low skills for their age, children rapidly improve. Particularly strong improvements are made in personal and social skills and language and communication.”

The ‘high-quality’ range of toys and learning aids are singled out for praise and the library is said to be ‘excellent’.

Mr Byrne added: “The promotion of children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. This contributes to excellent behaviour and safety. Children from different backgrounds learn and play together well and almost never fall out.”