THREE in 10 nurseries and childminders across Bury were rated as "inadequate", according to statistics.

Ofsted inspected 10 early years and childcare registered providers across the borough from July 1 to August 31 this year, and three were rated as inadequate, the lowest ranking.

One provider was rated as "outstanding", five were rated as good", and another was judged to "require improvement".

Across the North West, 442 early years registered providers were inspected, with 10 per cent being judged as "outstanding", 66 per cent being rated as "good", 16 per cent judged to require improvement and nine per cent named "inadequate".

An Ofsted spokesman said: "Nurseries and other early years providers are getting better. These statistics show that four-fifths have been judged to be good or outstanding at their most recent inspection.

"However, the gaps for the poorest children are still too wide.

"We are clear that good teaching is essential to help more young children, particularly those from poorer areas, be ready to learn when they begin primary school. We are working with those providers judged to require improvement to help them provide a better service for young children and their parents.

"We are currently consulting on the future of education inspection, which includes early years, and would urge nurseries and other providers to consider our consultation carefully."