An Isle of Wight nursery has slipped in its Ofsted rating to ‘Requires Improvement’, but inspectors said children have fun.
Brighstone Pre-School, based at the village’s primary school on New Road, was visited by the education watchdog in February and recently published its findings.
Multiple improvements needed
Inspectors found the previously ‘Good’ nursery had fallen in its rating, with multiple improvements needed.
In their report, inspectors said the implementation of the curriculum at the pre-school is variable — while some staff had a strong understanding, others did not always implement it through their interactions or activities.
Does not support children’s learning at a consistently good level
Inspectors said the pre-school did not support children’s learning at a consistently good level.
The manager has recently left but leaders are working together to ensure staff have regular supervision and access to training to support their professional development.
Inspectors said the roles and responsibilities of staff are not clearly defined to ensure the day-to-day management of the pre-school is efficient.
Required training
Not all staff working with babies under two-years-old have completed the required training that specifically addresses the care of babies although the babies are cared for well.
The babies are happy and settled, but activities are not always targeted precisely enough for their age.
While children behave well most of the time, at others staff do not address or manage it well.
Managing distressed behaviour
Staff sometimes struggle to manage children’s behaviour when they get distressed, Ofsted said, which disrupts learning and the pupils emotional well being.
Overall, however, children had positive relationships with staff and felt safe and secure at the nursery.
Positive feedback from parents
Parents are extremely positive about the pre-school and told inspectors they have good relationships with staff.
The children are confident in social situations and make good friendships.
Staff feel well supported
Staff told inspectors they feel well supported and have opportunities to discuss their well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, inspectors said, and there is an open and positive culture around it which puts children’s interests first.
The pre-school has been contacted for comment.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
