A PLAYGROUP which celebrates its 40th anniversary in Worcester this year has received a glowing report from government inspectors.

Blue Roof Pre-School has been judged as good' by Ofsted following its latest inspection.

Manager Debbie Tipper said: "We were so pleased with the report. The inspector said it was verging on outstanding, so hopefully we will be able to achieve that next time."

Ofsted said the pre-school provides many opportunities for children and helps them to learn. The inspectors said: "Overall, children make good progress in all areas of learning. They are enthusiastic and enjoy an interesting range of well-resourced creative activities. They are able to create their own paintings and drawings as they have various opportunities to take part in art and craft activities. Children are happy, socialise well, are busy and engage in purposeful and meaningful activities throughout the sessions." Blue Roof Pre-School is managed by Perdiswell Young People's Leisure Club Trustees. The setting opened in 1968 and currently has 45 children aged from two years and two months to under five years on roll.

The Ofsted report praised staff at the pre-school. The inspectors said: "Children's care is supported by enthusiastic staff and strong management.

"The organisation of all aspects of the setting has developed and hugely improved.

WHAT THE OFSTED INSPECTORS SAID

WHAT THE PRE-SCHOOL DOES WELL

Children are very well nourished and enjoy a varied and interesting diet. They are provided with a wide variety of healthy snacks and drinks.

Children are cared for in a very welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. They play safely both indoors and outdoors due to staff's rigorous safety procedures.

Children use the well-resourced environment to learn new skills and are very well supported by friendly and knowledgeable staff.

The effectiveness of curriculum planning for all children is achieved because each staff member takes responsibility for a small group of children as their key person.

Children develop a positive understanding of the wider world as they play with resources that help them to acknowledge a diverse society.

WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED

Review the organisation of the large group activities to ensure all children are purposefully engaged and are always able to take part.

Develop further the information shared with the parents and carers to ensure they are given more opportunities to be involved in their children's learning in a variety of ways (also applies to care).