STAFF from a popular nursery have been praised for making a big improvement.

Inspectors from education watchdog Ofsted visited Bury & Whitefield Jewish Private Nursery in Parr Lane, Unsworth, on July 26 and published their report this week. The nursery has 56 places but has 38 children, aged under four, on the roll.

At the previous inspection in August, 2013, Ofsted rated the nursery satisfactory — the third best of four possible gradings. And the nursery has gone one better this time, having been rated good.

In her report, inspector Julie Kelly said: “The manager and staff team have worked extremely hard since the last inspection to improve their practice and the quality of the nursery.”

Children, said the report, are self-confident, interested and motivated in what they learn and are prepared well by the time they start school.

“Partnerships with parents, other early-years providers and external professionals are a key strength of the nursery,” said the report.

“This effectively contributes to consistency and continuity of care and learning and children are well supported as they transfer to school.”

Ms Kelly recommends more self-evaluation so staff can identify the impact changes have on the learning of children.

She praised staff for regularly consulting parents and for the way they deal with children of different ages.

The nursery’s manager Miri Fulda said: “We are delighted with the report, which demonstrates the tremendous effort of the team of staff here over the last few years.

“We have noted the recommended improvements and are hopeful that we can get the ‘outstanding’ rating next time.”