DS due to start nursery in 2 weeks and they've just had the worst possible OFSTED report.

[TheBish]

My 11-month-old ds ia due to start settling in at his nursery in 2 weeks. Today I saw their latest OFSTED report which has just been published and it was terrible. Most categories were level 4, the lowest possible level, which means 'inadequete, immediate action must be taken'. I was really shocked and appalled by it and don't think I can send my ds to somewhere that has got that low a report. When we went round the nursery (I've been 3 or 4 times) it seemed ok and I;ve spoken to other parents whose kids are happy there. Do OFSTED reports really matter? I'm not sure what to do next - should I approach the nursery and ask them about the report? I don't have any back up childcare and childminders are thin on the ground round here (had no luck finding one). I'm starting to panic...

First thing is to visit the manager and ask what measures they're going to be taking.

At the same time start looking for other options, but the good thing about childcare settings being inspected is that it flags problems up so that things can be changed.

OFSTED reports aren't the be all and end all, but I would be very concerned if most of the categories were that low. I'd ask the manager about it and get info about what they will be doing to improve - OFSTED will probably be back in a few months to see if any action has been taken.

I'd take a look at what specific points are the problem too - is it things like paperwork, or basics like security of the building, supervision of children?

I would look at the details of the report and see what the actual problems are.

But to get such a bad report when you really would be on "best behaviour" during and inspection doesn't look good.

I would want to know exactly what they are doing badly as squirrel said if it is stuff like paperwork or things to do with building they maybe overlooked then I would still be interested in the nursery, but would want to be happy they are not neglecting a lot of things like this as I would like to think they are professionals and running this as a professional business

I really feel for you. What a horrible position to be in.

Ofsted reports aren't th be all and end all, but I have to say that if it was me, I wouldn't be sending my child there. Level 4s for most of the categories show that this nursery is failing.

Do you have any other options?