A HUDDERSFIELD playgroup has received glowing results in its first Ofsted report.

Inspectors visited the Sunny Days Playgroup at St Thomas's Church Hall in Bradley on November 9.

They had visited the playgroup in 2003 to carry out a childcare inspection, but this was their first visit to study the playgroup's educational standards.

Inspector Valerie Craven praised the playgroup's emphasis on learning through play and sensory activities.

She also approved the staff's commitment to improve care and education for the children by working in partnership with nursery staff from Bradley primary schools.

Ms Craven was pleased that children were allowed to choose their own resources and work independently.

She was also happy with the children's speaking and listening and maths skills.

She praised the level of parents' involvement in the children's learning.

Parents can visit the playgroup any time and can take part in a parent helper rota.

However, Ms Craven wanted to see improvements in the way staff plan the learning curriculum and the way they promote good behaviour.

She also wanted to see the playgroup assess its strengths and weaknesses better, and suggested that the children's counting, writing and balancing skills could be improved.

Lesley Hemingway, playgroup administrator, said an action plan was being drawn up to meet these needs.

She said that, overall, staff were delighted with the report.

"We are over the moon. We are very proud and pleased."

She added: "The next inspection will not be for three years, which shows the inspector feels we are meeting standards."

Mrs Hemingway, playgroup manager Sarah Thornton and chairwoman Kairon Meade are the remaining members of the group of parents who founded the playgroup in 2001.

There are seven staff and 29 children.