A PRE-school Kidderminster playgroup has been given a resounding thumbs-up by Ofsted inspectors.

St Ambrose Pre-school, Leswell Street, is "friendly" and "stimulating" and enables youngsters to achieve an overall high standard of attainment, their report found.

Inspectors said the group, which was founded in 1983, developed well-motivated and happy children with an enthusiastic approach to learning.

The report said the group had made "significant improvements" since the last inspection and greater emphasis was now given to communication, language and literacy and listening. Children were now able to use a widening range of materials to express themselves.

Personal, social and emotional development is singled out as a particular strength and relationships within the group are described as "excellent."

Physical development is said to be well fostered with an excellent use of a variety of equipment to increase all skills

Overall, the quality of teaching is said to be "very good" with staff working well as a team.

"A busy, friendly atmosphere prevails and staff's enthusiasm and flexible approach to teaching ensures children are happy and willing to learn. They work well in large or small groups and are given a lot of individual support," the report says.

Inspectors found no significant weaknesses but recommended the group should develop more effective ways of informing parents about their children's development and provide regular opportunities for the children to improve mathematical problem-solving skills.