CHILDREN in Bolton are getting a great start in life according to the latest batch of nursery Ofsted reports.

Ofsted inspectors routinely visit childcare providers.

Those which have been found to be outstanding and good have been listed by Bolton Council's Start Well service in its latest Early Years Foundation Stage Bulletin.

The Red House Nursery in Smithills received the best possible grade of outstanding.

The government's education watchdog found that children make exceptional progress, including youngsters who have special education needs and disabilities.

Ofsted reported: "The manager monitors the progress of groups of children and individual children exceptionally well.

"This ensures gaps are identified swiftly and extremely focused support is provided to support children to make outstanding progress in their learning and development."

Inspectors added:"Staff are exceptional role models for the children.

"For example, they teach children about behaviour expectations and how to be kind to others."

The nursery was praised for its outdoor environment which was said to help children develop in all areas of learning and physical skills.

The nursery was also found to work with a wide range of professions to meet children's needs.

Ofsted reported: "All children have excellent communication and language skills. This prepares them for the next stages in their learning, including school.

Childminder Jean Davidson was also found to provide outstanding early years education.

Bolton Start Well Service also listed the nurseries and childminders who received a "good" Ofsted report.

They were Rainbow Children's Nursery, The Village Playgroup, Tender Years Day Nursery and Lostock Playschool.

The childminders were Stephanie Lucas, Hilary Moore, Lisa Holland, Michelle Howell, Diane Bridge and Susannah Powell.