A WELSH-medium nursery which was under the threat of closure earlier this year is celebrating after receiving a favourable Estyn report.

Cylch Meithrin Rhuddlan, based at the town’s Ebenezer Chapel, was facing difficulties in terms of location and needed to attract more children to finance staff wages of staff and to balance the books.

These fears are now fading and the nursery achieved a rating of “good” by the education watchdog.

The inspection report praised the nursery for being able to plan challenging activities that motivate children to improve their work, for having an effective provision for the Welsh language and for its “robust teaching” which engages and stimulates the children.

The report reads: “The leader and practitioners work together frequently to provide exciting and interesting activities for children to develop as independent learners. They provide a useful curriculum and learning experiences that reflect the ethos of the foundation phase successfully.

“As a result, they motivate children to learn practically and to express their personal ideas to develop activities further.

“An effective example is the purposeful use of the outdoor area when looking for insects and role-playing independently in the Wendy house.”

Sylvia Edwards, leader at Cylch Meithrin Rhuddlan, said: “I was really impressed when we received the report. I must say I am quite pleased at the comments.

“It is a big thing when Estyn come here. Three of us work very hard so it is very rewarding.

“We held a taster day not long ago and it was great. We should have 12 children coming here in September. It is a relief and not so much of a worry, unlike last year.”

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru AM Llyr Gruffydd has paid a visit to the children and staff.

He said: “Staff have made this room a welcoming colourful space for the children to learn and play.

“It’s clear they have a great rapport with the children, who were far more interested in getting on with a range of activities than having to talk to me!”