A POPULAR Hagley nursery has celebrated being rated 'good' by Ofsted just weeks after being told to make improvements.

Squiggles Day Care & Activity Club saw its rating slump to 'inadequate' after an inspection in December but it has now bounced back to 'good' following a further visit by the watchdog on February 20.

The nursery in Station Road had been accused of not meeting staff to child ratios and failing to address weaknesses in provision but owner Paul Sheeran said the rating issued was "grossly unfair" and only reflective of a "snippet in time" when two children arrived at the facility earlier than expected.

He told the News in January that he planned to appeal and said parents had fully supported the nursery which has now received an overall rating of 'good' as well as 'good' ratings for all individual categories.

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Inspector Scott Thomas-White said in his report: "Since the last inspection, the provider has employed a new manager. Together they have successfully tackled the weaknesses through effective self-evaluation. This has helped to significantly enhance the quality of the provision."

The report, which can be read in full on the Ofsted website, said the effectiveness of leadership and management was now good and safeguarding was effective with staff able to "quickly identify risks and take steps to minimise hazards" by, for instance, restricting children's access to areas undergoing repair.

The inspector found the quality of teaching,learning and assessment was good and said: "Staff teach children the skills they need for the next stage in their learning."

He added: "Children have good attitudes to learning. They are enthused by activities and develop good problems solving skills. Children learn how to overcome challenges, such as when they complete puzzles. Staff provide sensitive care, especially for the youngest children."

The report added that staff work with parents to promote continuity in children's care between home and the nursery and said outcomes for youngsters were good, with the inspector noting: "Children make good progress in their learning."

Nursery directors Mr Sheeran and Karen Taft-Sheeran thanked parents, carers and grandparents for "being so supportive" and they said of the report: "We are thrilled and very grateful to Ofsted for coming back to us so quickly, the latest report shows a truer picture of Squiggles and what we're about."