In its Ofsted inspection last November, Trent Road Nursery in Grantham was judged 'satisfactory' for the first outcome, 'helping children to be healthy', but inspectors did not find the overall standard of care and education to be good enough (see News, 19 January).
The nursery was rated 'good' at a previous inspection in February 2005. At that time, Ofsted inspectors praised the nursery for its 'well-organised'
staff team and said the nursery had 'comprehensive, well-organised policies and procedures'.
However, Ofsted carried out an unannounced visit on 3 October after a tip-off from worried staff at the Sure Start Grantham local programme which is based next door to the nursery. They raised concerns over issues of staffing and health and safety.
A full inspection took place on 15 November and Ofsted found 'major differences' between the quality of experiences offered to children within the setting.
Although care in the out-of-school club and baby room was acceptable, criticisms were made of the room for two-to-threes. The report said staff 'do not regularly update' development records and 'children's behaviour is not managed effectively'.
But many parents have pledged their support for Trent Road Nursery following a meeting last week. Mark Gibbs said, 'As a parent you do, of course, take note of an adverse inspection very seriously. However, having read the Ofsted report, I have not changed my opinion that the nursery is fundamentally a safe, clean and stimulating environment for my two children to attend. The general conclusions of the report simply do not chime with our daily experience.'
NDNA chief executive Purnima Tanuku also said she had 'every confidence' in the nursery manager and the staff team.
Ofsted has now served the nursery with a notice of action to improve by 16 May, and Lincolnshire County Council has sent in a 'recovery team' to assist with this process. Ms Tanuku said, 'We are working closely with a number of local partners, including the local authority, who are all very supportive.'
Another inspection will be carried out within six to 12 months.
Meanwhile, higher standards have been found at the NDNA's other regional centres. Masefield Road Nursery in the north-east, Kingsway Nursery in the north-west and Nursery on the Green in London were all rated 'good' in their most recent Ofsted inspections.
