A TOP-performing nursery in St John s Wood has been picked by government education bosses as a launch pad for a new report. The Lisson Green community nursery has been chosen by Ofsted as the place to publicise its latest report into early years childcar

A TOP-performing nursery in St John's Wood has been picked by government education bosses as a launch pad for a new report.

The Lisson Green community nursery has been chosen by Ofsted as the place to publicise its latest report into early years childcare.

Ofsted's director of children, Michael Hart, made a visit on Wednesday to the nursery which was rated outstanding in every category at its last inspection.

He launched the Early Years national report which reviews childcare and early education provision between 2005 and 2008 across the country.

Westminster scored well with eight out of 10 nurseries and children's centres judged to be good or outstanding.

Her Majesty's chief inspector Christine Gilbert said: "Good organisation, leadership and management are at the heart of effective provision.

"We hope this report will serve as a useful tool to help those who are making good progress to carry on their excellent work, to motivate those that are satisfactory to do better and to ensure all children benefit from improved outcomes."

Nationally, the report found a smaller proportion of childminders are offering childcare which is rated 'good'.

Almost 60 per cent of Westminster's childminders are rated good or outstanding compared to the London borough Hackney, where only 30 per cent are.

The share of childminders rated good or outstanding nationally fell from 62 per cent to 54 per pent over the past three years, while those rated inadequate rose from three per cent to six per cent.

Overall childcare settings including nurseries and childminders have improved since the last report, said Ofsted.

But inspectors found lower standards in poorer, more deprived areas.

Ms Gilbert added: "It's particularly encouraging to note that where we found inadequate provision in previous inspections, these settings have improved significantly.

"However, there is still more to do to ensure that outcomes for all children are of a consistently high standard and that every child has access to the same quality care, particularly in areas where provision is generally poorer."

The report was based on evidence from 90,000 inspections of early years and childcare provision over the last three years.

It will help parents know what quality they should look for in the care of their children.

By reading Ofsted reports parents can find out how a centre makes sure their child is kept safe, records what their child does and the progress he or she is making.

For more information visit www.ofsted.gov.uk/leadingtoexcellence