A Blackburn nursery has been commended by Ofsted inspectors for "working hard" to improve standards.

Little Wonders Nursery, based at the Audley Centre in Chester Street, was inspected for the first time in October and given the worst possible rating from the education watchdog, which is "inadequate".

Six months later in March an inspection saw a remarkable turnaround.

The nursery, which is run by Little Wonders Nursery Ltd, independent of the Audley Centre, caters for 30 children aged two to four.

The nursery said it was "overjoyed" at the new rating which was down to the dedication of staff and the support of parents. Little Wonders employs four members of childcare staff who all hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above.

An inspection in March found the manager who is also the provider, had worked hard to address the actions raised at the previous inspection.

Both the manager and deputy manager work hands on and are "actively involved in the day-to-day running of the nursery".

The report said: “This has enabled them to use effective reflection of practice and make the necessary improvements.

"This includes highlighting the training needs of staff. Staff are now much more knowledgeable and confident to deliver the intended curriculum.

“For example, they use their observations and assessments of children, alongside children's interests, to plan suitable activities that build on what children already know and can do.

“Staff treat children fairly and with respect and have high expectations for their behaviour.

"Staff recognise that some children are struggling to share, take turns and form friendships.

“Therefore, they have adapted their curriculum to support this. For example, they implement small-group activities designed to build on children's growing communication and social skills.

"These include reading stories, singing songs and playing games that require children to wait their turn and make their predictions.

“These interventions are helping to close any identified gaps in children's learning and development.

"The arrangements to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well embedded. The provider works closely with parents to ensure that children receive their full entitlement to early years funding.

“This further supports the good progress that children make. Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents describe the setting as a 'family' and say the provider and staff are 'very supportive'.”

The manager was praised for providing "lots of appropriate training and support" for the staff.

The report said: “As a result, this is making a difference in the progress children make in these areas. However, monitoring of staff's practice is not yet robust enough to help them further improve all areas of their educational practice to consistently high levels.

“Staff provide lots of opportunities for children to develop their literacy skills. Staff enthusiastically read stories and ask children to predict what might happen next.

“Outdoors, younger children make marks using large brushes as they pretend to paint the floor. Older children purposefully write and draw using paper and pens.

"When needed, staff model how to hold the pen correctly and phonetically sound out words, such as children's names as they attempt to write them.”

A spokesperson for the nursery said: “The team have worked hard and took on board any concerns inspectors had in the first Ofsted inspection.

“It was pleasing to see that all their hard work was recognised. The new rating is all down to the staff, parents and most of pupils at the nursery who are making this such a wonderful place to learn and grow.”