AN early years provider has been rated overall as good in its latest Ofsted report.

Ovingham & District Under 5s, based at the Portakabin at Ovingham First School, was found to be good in all areas in an Ofsted report published on January 15.

Areas inspected included quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

The report said: "Children have fun and are eager to learn at this friendly and welcoming setting. They form strong bonds with staff, who are caring and kind. Staff know children well and plan a wide range of activities that excite and interest them.

"There is a strong focus on children playing outdoors and exploring nature. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise daily in the nursery garden and woodland area.

"Children are happy, settled and secure. They register themselves into the setting. This helps to give them a sense of ownership and belonging. Children learn to share, take turns and play cooperatively as they explore in the water tray with funnels, colanders, pinecones and acorns."

Areas that could be improved include reviewing the structure of group times, to better support children's learning and focus.

Ways could also be explored to settle children at story time to prepare them to be ready to listen and learn.