A NURSERY at an Oxfordshire airbase has stepped up standards after being told to improve.

Spring RAF Benson has been rated 'good' by Ofsted, up from its rating of 'requires improvement' last year.

The new report, published following inspection in late September, said: "Children progress well from their starting points and develop effective skills they need for their future learning and to support school readiness.

"Children are sociable, independent and eager learners.

"Staff speak to children warmly and listen to their ideas with interest."

The nursery, located at the RAF base near Wallingford, had 66 children on roll at the time of Ofsted's visit.

Inspectors wrote in their report: "Leaders are proactive in researching a wide range of safeguarding information, to increase staff's knowledge of how to identify and manage risks to children.

"Recruitment and vetting procedures are robust to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children."

Ofsted did note that they witnessed a 'breach in requirements' regarding staffing ratios at certain points, but added: "This did not have an impact on children's safety, well-being and development."

The nursery employs 13 staff members and also runs a before- and after-school club, as well as daytime provision.

Ofsted's previous visit last year said children were 'not consistently provided with suitably challenging learning experiences' and there were some areas of ' weaker teaching.'

However, the new report said: "Staff monitor children's progress effectively and they know the children well.

"Leaders work well together to monitor the quality of the curriculum provided.

"Since the last inspection, they have focused well on helping staff to improve their knowledge about children's development to accurately identify their next steps."

It was rated 'good' in all four core areas of assessment, which is the second-best standard possible.