A TOWN nursery school is celebrating a good report from Government inspectors.

Pupils, staff and governors at Aclet Close Nursery School, in Bishop Auckland, were thrilled with the findings of the inspection team from education watchdogs Ofsted.

Inspectors praised good teaching and a very rich and exciting curriculum, very good links with the community, parents and other schools and very good provision for children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

The 73 pupils, aged three and four, were said to be well behaved and all eager to engage in each day's activities.

Though some children's skills and knowledge are below the levels expected for the age when they start nursery, they are said to make rapid gains in all areas.

When asked their views, parents said they were delighted with what the school offered youngsters and held the staff in high regard.

Inspectors said the children's enthusiasm for school was evident when arriving as they say goodbye to parents and hang up their coats quickly so they can get on with exploring new activities.

Headteacher Nick Birbeck said: "Aclet Close has had a good reputation for many years and it is good to see that recent changes have improved even on that.

"But the best part of all is discovering just how pleased parents are with the school - that is very important to everyone here, who work so hard for the children and their parents."

The only issue identified to be improved was planning to give more challenge to very able children, which Mr Birbeck said was already being developed.