'Harsh': Shropshire nursery boss reacts to ‘inadequate’ report from Ofsted
The manager of a nursery near Oswestry which was branded inadequate by Ofsted bosses said she is taking the report “very seriously” and insists it does not reflect on the “wonderful work” of staff.
The report said the nursery “compromises children’s welfare” and said safeguarding policies are not implemented by leaders.
It also said that staff development is not fully effective, while teaching is not being matched to the children’s age or ability.
But manager Louise Willmore said there were plenty of positives to take.
She said: “The report findings were mixed – the quality of teaching, learning and assessment was ‘good’ and the outcomes for children were ‘good’.
“The report commented that ‘staff provide children with a ‘stimulating environment’ and this was especially so in pre-school room.
“The report went on to say all children made good progress and all children gained a wide range of useful skills that prepare them well for their future learning and school.
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“This is the area of the report I know most parents are interested in – how well the staff work with our children and how well the children are developing.
“However, we were extremely disappointed that during the inspection, we had a relief member of staff that had been brought in to cover staff absence.
“Even though she was fully qualified, she was unable to answer any safeguarding questions.
“As this is one of the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, the nursery in this regard has been rated inadequate.
“We have now fixed this problem.
“We welcome Ofsted in at the earliest opportunity to confirm this.
“I can assure people that our children’s welfare and safety is not compromised. This was a temporary member of staff and as such I found Ofsted’s decision harsh, to say the least.
“We handle safeguarding very seriously and this rating does not reflect the wonderful work that is going on in the nursery.”
By Emily Lloyd, local democracy reporter
