A NURSERY in a village near Oswestry has been rated 'inadequate' following a visit by Ofsted inspectors.

Inspectors criticised the leadership, management and personal development at Unicorn Nursery in Maesbury following their visit in January, and specifically mentioned information not being shared with parents.

However, they rated the quality of education and students' behaviour and attitudes as 'good'.

The inspection was the first since the nursery was rated 'good' in August 2019.

Ofsted inspector, Tracey Boland, said: "Leaders and managers do not demonstrate a good enough knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures and what needs to be notified to the local authority designated officer (LADO).

"Concerns have not been shared in a timely and appropriate manner to safeguard children.

"In addition, information has not been shared with parents."

Ms Boland added: "However, children enter a welcoming and stimulating environment.

"They eagerly greet staff and their friends and quickly settle into their play.

"Staff present resources attractively to capture children's attention."

OTHER NEWS:

Louise Willmore, director of Unicorn Nursery Maesbury, said that they were dissappointed about the low ratings but that they were delighted with the positive findings.

She said: "We were delighted with the report's findings on the quality of education and the behaviour and attitudes of the children, both being rated good.

"We were disappointed that the leadership and management was rated inadequate because the record-keeping was not robust enough."

The Ofsted report highlighted significant weaknesses in leadership and management, which  mean that safeguarding procedures have not been followed effectively.

The inspectors added: "Previous action taken by leaders and managers, for staff discipline issues, has not been recorded.

"Consequently, there are gaps in staff records."

After the review the nursery received a deadline of February 3, 2023, to make the improvements that had been suggested.

These included improvements in knowledge of safeguarding procedures to ensure safeguarding concerns are passed on to the relevant agencies in a timely manner and record and maintain the information required for the safe and efficient management of the setting.

Mrs Willmore added: "Actions have been taken to rectify this and we are
now waiting for a re-inspection from Ofsted to confirm this."

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