Ofsted has awarded a Shepton Mallet childcare centre a 'good' rating after its previous 'inadequate' inspection.

Next Steps Childcare Centre at the Bath and West Showground was visited by Ofsted inspectors in November and was subsequently rated 'good' in all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

The report praises the well-designed curriculum, range of activities and learning environment.

"Staff design the curriculum and the environment efficiently to support children's interests and to encourage new ones, such as through forest skills, cooking and yoga," the report says.

"Young children engage well in group activities. They sit and listen for their name and respond with a smile or a gesture. Children make decisions about their play. For example, staff give children time to choose which song to sing and do not rush them."

The inspector noted that the children were well-behaved and confident and that there was good communication between staff and parents.

"Staff share valuable ideas to encourage learning at home, such as sharing songs and recipes," the report continues.

To improve their grade to outstanding, St Matthews Nursery and Pre-school staff need to:

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• Consider the learning environment further to help maintain children's learning,
• Develop further the use of appropriate strategies to manage children's behaviour more consistently.