STAFF at a nursery near Wantage have been praised by inspectors who handed it a 'good' rating following a recent visit.

Bramleys Day Nursery and Nursery School in Masons Court, Ardington, held on to the rating – Ofsted's second highest – that it was last given in October 2013.

The school standards watchdog said the nursery had maintained the rating due to effective self-evaluation and commitment from staff to continuous improvement.

The manager and staff were said to monitor and track children's progress closely and children were deemed to make good progress from their starting points.

Staff supported children's mathematical understanding 'skilfully' and were said to be 'caring and attentive to children's needs'.

In her report inspector Anne Clifft said: "Staff provide children with the time and space to explore and lead their own play in the stimulating learning environment.

"They support children's independence well and help them to manage their own needs.

"Children develop a good range of skills in preparation for when they start school."

Ms Clifft said the nursery, which has 101 children aged up to five, could improve further if two-year-old children were challenged more consistently in their learning.

Staff were also advised not to limit the choices children are able to make during creative activities.