STAFF at a Blakedown playgroup are celebrating after being given the thumbs-up by Ofsted inspectors.

St James Pre-School Playgroup is described as providing a happy and calm environment which promotes children's learning.

The quality of teaching is described as good, as are relationships between staff who are said to work well together.

The report singles out for praise the personal, social and emotional development of the 11 two to five-year-olds attending. It also highlights mathematics, language and literacy as strengths.

It adds the partnership with parents and carers is strong with effective communication in a welcoming atmosphere.

The playgroup, which was set up 10 years ago, is said to have made good improvement since the last inspection.

The report concludes there are no significant weaknesses but says consideration should be given to improving opportunities for children to use their own creativity and imagination when producing artwork for display.