A HEREFORD playgroup is celebrating after receiving an "outstanding" grading from Ofsted.

Broadlands Bright Sparks Playgroup, which has been providing early years education and care in Tupsley for more than 30 years, got the best possible grading by Ofsted when inspected on June 4.

It means the playgroup, which currently has 36 children on roll, moves from a "good" grading to "outstanding".

Kate Shepherd, the playgroup's manager, said: "We are really delighted that all our hard work has been recognised. We have been here for nearly 35 years now and have second generations of young families. I just want to thank staff as well for all of their hard work.

"We now want to build on the success. Our location is fabulous too as it means we have access to outdoor play areas."

The report said children make outstanding progress in all areas of their learning and development – in particular their language development and social skills.

Through regular observation and thorough assessment, staff know and meet children's interests, abilities and needs "extremely well" according to the report.

Children are "very happy" in the playgroup's friendly and welcoming setting, with children forming close relationships with staff and their peers.

The report also said that staff are "very well-qualified, experienced and work extremely well together".

Children's welfare is also given "utmost priority", with highly effective safeguarding procedures to ensure children are kept safe and are supported emotionally.

And children with particular health needs are very well-protected through the effective procedures and routines that are in place, according to the report.

The playgroup is now taking names for September.

For more information call 01432 278249 or 01432 278877 out of hours, visit the group or visit broadlandsbrightsparks.co.uk