AN 'enchanted' woodland has helped a Rossendale nursery school achieve an outstanding report from an education watchdog.

Inspectors said the woodland provision at Staghills Nursery School, in Top Barn Lane, Newchurch, was at the forefront of its success.

The nursery was also praised for its ‘drive for continuous improvement and high quality education’.

Praise was also heaped on staff who create an 'enthusiastic and enjoyable environment for the children to learn in'.

Ofsted Inspector Linda Connelly said the children’s loud squeals of delight was evident to how much they enjoyed their time at nursery.

In her report she said: “The school’s outstanding woodland provision has been at the forefront of this success.

"Here, boys are not only fully engaged in enticing problem-solving activities but, through the nurture and focus of small-group teaching, have developed positive attitudes and a confident approach that they now apply to all aspects of their learning.”

During the inspector’s time at the school she witnessed the youngsters throwing themselves into challenges, including designing and making ‘dragon wings’ in the woods.

In a letter to pupils at the nursery, Mrs Connelly said: “This letter is to tell you that I think your nursery is outstanding. That’s a very long word but it means ‘brilliant’!

“Your teachers know that you are very special.

“You think hard and work things out for yourselves. You do this really well and this will help you when you go to big school and when you are older and get a job.”

The nursery was asked to concentrate on extending the more able children’s reading, writing and calculation skills in the future.