A DAY nursery has been praised for its 'ambitious curriculum' and 'happy buzz' in its latest Ofsted report.

Fern Hollow Day Nursery, Stocksfield, was rated good overall and in all areas in its latest inspection published on February 20.

The report said: "From the moment they arrive, children show they feel settled and secure as staff are there to greet them.

"Staff implement an ambitious curriculum that, overall, supports children's learning needs well."

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It said the early years setting performs well in communicating with parents who speak highly of the staff and in the manager's enthusiasm for developing the care and learning offered to children and families.

"Children are happy, confident learners who thoroughly enjoy interacting with their friends and the staff team. Relationships are strong throughout the nursery and a 'happy buzz' permeates throughout the room."

However, the report said to improve, the nursery should "focus planning more on the skills children need to develop next to fully extend and support their learning and strengthen understanding of the developmental stages younger children go through to plan a more effective curriculum, including in the outdoor area."

Arrangements for safeguarding were considered effective. "There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first," the report said.