STAFF and children at a Worcester playgroup have been celebrating a good Ofsted report. Sticky Fingers @ St Stephen's Playgroup is managed by a voluntary committee of parents and carers.

It caters for 42 children, aged two to five, five mornings a week. Ofsted inspectors have described the playgroup, which is based at St Stephen's church, Barbourne, as "clean and welcoming" and said children are well looked after.

Janine Stephens, chairman of the committee, said: "We are absolutely delighted. They have said we are good in every way, which is fantastic. It is all thanks to the hard work off the committee and staff who strive to provide a safe and caring environment for the children."

The report said children at the playgroup have access to a broad range of appropriate activities, which link into topic work and themes.

It said: "Young children have opportunities to socialise with older children as staff plan and adapt activities that enable all of the children to be involved.

"The quality of teaching and learning is good. Children are curious and inquisitive and staff encourage them to think for themselves and to develop their skills."

Sticky Fingers @ St Stephen's was also praised for improvements made since the last Ofsted inspection.

What the playgroup does well:

* Children are sufficiently challenged as they have access to a range of differently sized play equipment.

* Children's welfare is safeguarded because staff have a good understanding of child protection procedures.

* Children are curious and inquisitive and staff encourage them to think for themselves and to develop their skills.

* Staff hold appropriate discussions with the children to encourage them to play safely, think about their actions and to be kind to one another.

What the playgroup could do to improve: * Review the organisation of the sessions and activity plans to ensure children are given more opportunities to instigate their own play and engage in meaningful play.

* Use the activity evaluations and children's assessments more effectively to enable all individual children to progress and be sufficiently challenged.