A NURSERY school in Worcester is providing quality care and education, according to Ofsted inspectors.

Albany Nursery School, based at the United Reform Church Hall in Albany Terrace, has received a glowing report from the education watchdog.

It has judged the nursery as good' in all aspects of its latest inspection. The inspectors said: "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."

They added: "Overall children make good progress in all areas of learning.

"Children's personal, social and emotional development is very well fostered because of staff's knowledge and understanding of how young children learn and progress."

Albany Nursery School is owned by Wishing Well Nurseries Ltd and opened in 2004. It currently has 53 children on its roll.

Director of Wishing Well Jenny Jenkins said: "We are really pleased with the report, although a little bit disappointed not have been judged outstanding, as the inspector said we were so close.

"But it really is testament to all the hard work of the staff and I'm very proud of them all."

The inspectors said: "The premises are organised to ensure children are cared for in child-friendly surroundings where they are able to choose activities they wish to take part in. Children enter an environment that is highly stimulating and motivates all aspects of their development."

The inspectors praised the staff at the nursery, saying they provide high quality care and support.

They said: "Staff show a very good awareness of how to ensure children's individual specific needs are met.

"They work alongside outside agencies to ensure individual care or educational plans are implemented to help all children reach their full potential."

The inspectors also highlighted the effective partnership between the staff and parents.

THE INSPECTORS' REPORT: WHAT IT SAIDWHAT THE PRE-SCHOOL DOES WELLThe provider and nursery manager have clear aims for the setting and are committed to evolving and developing the provision.

The premises are organised to ensure children are cared for in child-friendly surroundings where they are able to choose activities they wish to take part in.

Children have access to a good range of resources to promote their awareness of diversity and take part in several planned activities to help them understand their own and other cultures and beliefs, such as taking part in fun Christmas and Chinese new year activities.

There are systems in place for observing, monitoring and recording children's achievements. Staff set achievable targets for each child to progress or to challenge them in specific skills.

WHAT IT COULD DO BETTERReview the organisation to ensure children are given sufficient opportunities to make free choices and to instigate their own play.