A nursery where children use sign language while singing nursery rhymes has been deemed to be ‘good’.

Ofsted visited Toddle In Nursery in North Valley Road, Colne, on April 12 and determined it to be ‘good’.

Inspectors said that children enjoy going to the nursery, arriving happily as they are met by friendly staff at the start of their day.

The report said: “Children's well-being is supported right from the start and continues throughout their time at the setting.

“There is an effective key-person system in place, which helps children to feel safe and secure. Staff support children effectively to understand their expectations.

“They are good role models and remind children to use good manners and follow expected rules and boundaries.

“This helps them to develop positive behaviour, such as tidying up after themselves and taking turns.”

The curriculum is well-sequenced and children learn well.

Children use both sign language and verbal communication during song and rhyme sessions and to make choices, such as choosing milk or water at snack time.

Inspectors said leaders work with parents by offering a book loan service showing them how to support children's learning at home.

Staff use praise and incentives, such as moving up the 'stepping stones' for children’s behaviour.

Staff plan opportunities throughout the setting for children to practise and develop their large-muscle skills.

The report said: “Babies crawl, climb and pull themselves up on furniture.

“Toddlers and pre-school children explore being outdoors, scrambling up the slope and rolling or sliding back down the hill.

“This helps to develop children's independence, confidence, balance and coordination.”

Staff plan well and build on what children know and can do, identifying children's interests to help maintain their attention.

Inspectors did say however that there are times when children's individual learning needs are less well met meaning they lose interest and become disengaged.

Staff work well with parents, sharing information and providing feedback but staff have not yet considered how they can support parents in promoting learning at home, specifically around online safety and how to help children stay safe when using the internet at home.

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.