A NURSERY school offering "high quality" education has been given top marks by Government inspectors.

The Alice Ottley's Junior School was praised across the board by Ofsted, which visited the Worcester school in November.

All aspects of teaching and learning were described as "very good" and no significant weaknesses were recorded.

Teaching and the school's leadership and partnership with its parents were noted as particular strengths in the report, released earlier this month.

"The Alice Ottley Junior School provides very good nursery education," said inspector Christine Williams.

"Provision is of a high quality and children are making very good progress towards the six early learning goals."

The key areas are social and emotional development, language and literacy, maths, understanding of the world, physical development and creative development.

All six were rated "very good" at the independent school.

"Staff show a clear understanding of how children learn and achieve a good balance between direct teaching and allowing children to discover things for themselves," the report continued.

"The head has developed a committed staffing team, who work closely together to evaluate the learning and educational programme and ensure there are clear lines of support.

"Partnership with parents is very good, with strong links developed through keeping parents well informed and involving them in their children's learning and school life."

The inspector was also satisfied with the children's spiritual and

moral development at The Tything school.

The only area Ms

Williams suggested should be improved was in the use of symbols to help children understand basic instructions.

"I am delighted with this very positive report, which reflects the excellent early years practice taking place in our Junior School every day," said headteacher Marion Lloyd.

The next inspection is due in three or four years.