A BLACKBURN nursery has been praised for providing a good learning experience.

Nook Barn Nursery was described as having good relationships between children and staff and interesting play opportunities.

A report from Ofsted said: “Children make good progress and thrive in this warm and welcoming nursery.”

Inspector Donna Birch said: “Children demonstrate secure emotional attachments with their key persons and high levels of confidence and self-esteem.

“Leaders, managers and staff demonstrate a good understanding of their responsibility for safeguarding and protecting children from harm. As a result, children are protected.

She added: “Good relationships with parents and other agencies are firmly established to support children’s ongoing development.”

The Cherry Tree nursery missed out on an Outstanding due to a few points. The nursery was advised to encourage children to develop independence skills, such as helping themselves at lunchtime. It was also encouraged to implement peer observations to further promote “good reflective practice”.

The nursery, which has been registered since 1991, is set within a converted barn and includes a pre-school unit and baby unit.