CHILDREN'S laughter rang out when the government's education watchdog inspected their nursery.

Ofsted visited Etherley Lane Nursery, in Bishop Auckland, in March and the report published last month rated it as outstanding and highlighted what a happy place it is for youngsters.

Lead inspector, Karen Ling, said: “This is a very happy place where children thoroughly enjoy their time and thrive because they are very well cared for and consistently motivated to learn.

"As a consequence, children’s achievement is outstanding.

“Throughout the day, the laughter of children can be heard as they play and learn together alongside the adults who take very good care of them."

The school was judged to be outstanding in areas of leadership and management, behaviour and safety, quality of teaching and achievement of pupils. The nursery is a National Teaching School and the inspection noted how their excellent practice is modelled beyond the school.

The staff, governors and families have worked together to develop a strong, effective learning environment and are delighted with the result.