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DD's nursery has just been rated inadequate..

33 replies

Ginspirational · 16/05/2024 14:14

DD has been going to this nursery for a year and loves it - she's thrived there and we've never had an issue. We were really happy with the observations, her care and what we saw on drop off/pick up. She has allergies and they've never slipped up and are really careful. All in all, we've been really happy with the care provided.

They've just been rated inadequate due to pretty much the management of the nursery. It says they are all new to their roles/supervision of staff is poor/lack of coaching/information isn't communicated between management and staff. Nowhere in the report are there any concerns about the care or welfare of the children - in fact that's the only redeeming part.

They have sent a very lengthy email to parents stating how devastated they are and how they are committing to changing their rating, but that they are also appealing this rating because they feel it isn't justified.

I'm obviously upset and hate to think I'm sending DD somewhere that isn't good enough - even though she is clearly blossoming and enjoys it. What would you do? I'm inclined to keep her there, but DH isn't so sure now.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
EbbandTheWanderingHearts · 16/05/2024 20:42

My kids nursery was told they weren't Outstanding because they failed to discuss volume and capacity during one activity. They were 2 year old!

The nursery I used to work at and left as I thought it was awful got 24hrs notice of an inspection which gave them time to replace all the bank staff with qualified staff from their other nurseries and got Outstanding! Ofsted is a joke!

LetsGoFlyAKiteee · 16/05/2024 21:20

It's good they've communicated this with you and aren't trying to hide and brush it off.

As others have said OFSTED is box ticking these days and it does seem different inspectors can have different views on things also.

Also the fact nurseries get 24 hours notice...not always a accurate picture anyway!

Rycbar · 16/05/2024 22:00

And yet another example of why OFSTED isn’t fit for purpose!

readingmakesmehappy · 16/05/2024 22:19

Keep her there. If you know she's happy and flourishing and the room staff are good then that's what's important. They'll be supported to put an improvement plan in place. This happened to our nursery and they got their Good rating back less than a year later.

NewName24 · 16/05/2024 22:19

Ginspirational · 16/05/2024 18:57

Thank you everyone, I think we were just so shocked.

We are going to keep her there and I’ve emailed the nursery to say we wholeheartedly trust DD in their care and will support them. Gut instinct is definitely the way with this!

Good for you. They will appreciate this.
It is so damaging to staff morale when they get an 'Inadequate'.
Even where there are things that aren't great, to tell someone they are inadequate then walk away doesn't help anyone.
Obviously even worse when the Nursery clearly isn't 'inadequate' in general use of the word.

Mischance · 16/05/2024 22:21

OfSted do not always measure the things that matter to the parents and children. Trust your instinct and evidence of your own eyes.

mrssunshinexxx · 17/05/2024 07:18

Ofsted is mainly about paperwork. If your gut says she's happy there and you have no safe guarding concerns keep her there

d1lly · 21/05/2024 15:14

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