A nursery says it is ‘stunned and disappointed’ after being rated ‘inadequate’ in all areas by the education watchdog. Early Steps Nursery School, in Heaton Mersey, Stockport, provides childcare for 38 toddlers and young children aged between two and four.
But a scathing new report from Ofsted says that ‘not all children have a happy start to their education at the Didsbury Road playgroup’, and sometimes spend ‘large periods of time ‘engaging in no form of meaningful activity’. Leaders at the nursery have reacted with shock - insisting the report is not a ‘true reflection of the quality of care and education’ - and are unhappy the document has been published while it is still pursuing a complaint.
According to officials, who visited in July, children are safe but they are safe but ‘not all enjoy or benefit from quality learning experiences that are tailored to their needs’. “Weaknesses in leadership and management have led to poor outcomes for children,” the report adds.
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“At times, children lack direction and spend large periods of time with no interaction from adults, engaging in no form of meaningful activity. Furthermore, whole-group activities are not tailored to meet the needs of all children, particularly the youngest members of the group.”
The nursery’s expectations for behaviour was described as ‘not high’, inspectors noting children ‘do not always follow instructions and frequently show a lack of respect for the resources provided’. Inspectors found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were not always helped to engage with the curriculum. And group activities were not tailored to meet the needs of all those taking part - particularly the youngest members.
The nursery has hit out over what it feels is an ‘unfair’ report.A spokesperson said: “We are stunned and disappointed by the publication of this judgement of our practice, and do not believe it is a true reflection of the quality of care and education within our setting.
“We appealed against this report and Ofsted has upheld some of our grievances about the inspection process and subsequent handling of our case. Although the complaints process is still being conducted by Ofsted, they have published the report in full anyway which we feel is unfair and does not respect due process.”
The nursery says it is ‘highly regarded’ by parents, noting that Ofsted spoke to five parents on the day of the inspection, each of whom gave a ‘glowing testimonial’. It has since submitted further written testimonials, along with evidence of its ‘good practice’.
“We believe this outcome raises questions about the fairness and integrity of the inspection process,” a spokesperson added. “It cannot be right that an unchanged report is published when there is an outstanding appeal and some points have already been successfully challenged.”
The nursery says it has put - or is putting - all corrective measures required by Ofsted in place and ‘looks forward to receiving a judgement that reflects the true nature of our nursery in a few month’s time’.
Ofsted said it did not comment on individual providers or complaints.
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