A FARM-BASED nursery near Darlington has been praised by Ofsted inspectors after retaining its status as ‘good’.

High Bank Day Nursery’s ‘drive for continuous improvement’ along with the ‘positive partnerships’ it has with parents were just two of the areas highlighted by Ofsted in the latest report.

Inspectors said to be considered for an outstanding rating in the future, High Bank, which is situated on a working farm in Stapleton, needs to increase the amount of word and number signs outside the nursery to further support children’s literacy and numeracy skills, and provide more outside play resources - such as cardboard boxes and fabric – that can be used in an imaginative way.

In summarising the nursery as a ‘Good’ nursery (which is a Grade 2, Grade 1 being outstanding), the inspector said: “Children take part in a good range of stimulating activities that are tailored to meet their individual learning needs. This is because staff have a sound knowledge of children’s interests.

“Children are happy and enjoy attending the nursery. They settle well and follow a familiar routine which helps them to form secure attachments with staff and develop a sense of belonging.”

Nursery manager Jennifer Thompson, Manager said: “We are very pleased with the report and our aim now is to build on the few small areas noted for improvement, with a view to achieving outstanding status at our next inspection in 2016.”