THE work of staff at North Banbury Children's Centre Nursery in helping children with lower starting points to catch up has been praised by inspectors.

It comes as the school was handed a good rating by Ofsted following an inspection earlier this month.

The education standards watchdog said staff made sure to focus opportunities for children to gain early maths skills throughout the nursery.

The manager and staff were said to be vigilant over children's welfare and the manager was deemed to have a 'strong commitment to drive improvements that benefit children.'

In her report inspector Victoria Weir said: "Staff provide a wide range of activities that often extend from children's interests to help them achieve the next steps in their learning.

"Parents attend regular meetings with their children's key person to discuss their children's progress and plans for development.

"Staff support children's emotional well-being and confidence effectively."

But inspectors also said there were some areas in which the centre in Ferriston Road could improve.

Ms Weir recommended that more opportunities were created to challenge children's thinking.

She also said the organisation of routines and activities should be reviewed to improve children's involvement in activities.