A 'busy and inviting' Harpenden nursery has been rated "good" by Ofsted.

Bright Horizons Nursery in Luton Road received the rating following a visit from the education watchdog last month.

The report has plenty of positives, while also highlighting areas for possible improvement.

Staff were praised for being "welcoming", with the report noting that the nursery is "busy and inviting".

They help build up children's confidence by giving them praise for their efforts.

The report says that the leadership team at Bright Horizons have "high expectations and an ambitious vision" for all children at the nursery.

However, while praise was given to the staff who work with younger children, it was noted that the staff who work with older children "do not always implement smooth plans".

This means that, at times, "learning for the older children is not meaningful or challenging", the report adds.

"For example, during transition times, staff do not always skilfully engage children in activities.

"As a result, some children lose focus and sometimes interrupt others' play."

Inspectors noted recent changes in staff at the nursery, but say that they found morale to be good.

Praise was given to the range of activities on offer, as well as the strong partnership between staff and parents that help with children's development.

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The report gave directions on how the nursery can improve and work to regain the 'outstanding' rating that it received at its previous inspection.

Inspectors say that the nursery "should help staff to enhance the learning needs of all children, and implement the ambitious vision through high-quality interactions, with particular focus on the older age ranges".

The report also recommends that staff development plans are monitored more "rigorously" in order to help them progress and develop their skills.

Safeguarding arrangements were found to be satisfactory, with praise given to the "open and positive culture" the nursery fosters.

This will be the institutions last single-word graded Ofsted inspection, after the government announced earlier this month that the controversial system would be scrapped from next year.