A RIBBLE Valley nursery has been declared 'outstanding' in its latest Ofsted report for creating 'happy, settled and highly confident' children.

First Class Childcare Whalley, which based at Olympic House, The Sidings, has improved since its last inspection in 2010, just after it was registered, when it was rated 'good'.

Janet Singleton, the inspector, praised the management and the 11 members of staff for a desire to provide excellent care and education to the youngsters, who are aged between two and four.

She added: "Superb provision for outdoor play includes a forest area, an outdoor learning classroom and opportunities for children to learn to take risks.

"This means children develop a secure knowledge of healthy lifestyles and their confidence and self-esteem is exceptionally well promoted."

Mrs Singleton added that the children were "exceptionally well behaved" and "play remarkably well together".

She added: "The children delight in exploring sand, paint and dough, developing their sensory skills and imagination.

"Communication and language skills are exceptionally well promoted through the use of phonics and skilful discussions between staff and children.

"Children thoroughly enjoy the phonic session and enthusiastically sing the 'vowel song'.

"Staff ensure children have excellent opportunities to develop their own lines of thinking - they know when to intervene and when to leave children alone to play and staff skilfully build on children's ideas, for example, developing themes such as trains, garden centres and sport.

"Children are engaged and motivated as they make mud pictures, name shapes and delight in counting with staff."

First Class Child Care was established in 1984 and has five bases across East Lancashire, including others at Accrington, Dill Hall, Clayton-le-Moors and Barrow.

In March this year its Barrow nursery was also rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, again an upgrade from ‘good’ in 2009.

Managing director Andrew Clifford said: “Our nurseries aim to create a stimulating environment for young children giving them the highest standards of care and education.

"First Class Childcare Centres pride ourselves on our partnership with parents to ensure that we provide a service that matches your family and career needs whilst maintaining a two-way stream of information about your child and their development both within nursery and at home."