Peterborough nursery rated as Requires Improvement after receiving Outstanding in previous report
The nursery was given an Outstanding rating in 2019.
A Peterborough nursery has been rated as requiring improvement by Ofsted having been rated as Outstanding at its previous inspection.
In June 2019, the Acorn Academy Day Nursery was given the highest rating possible by Ofsted but in the space of five years, that has been downgraded to the lowest mark the body can give.
The nursery, which is located on Lincoln Road, has been open since 2019 and employs nine members of staff.
The report was published on December 10 following an inspection on November 18 and detailed concerns such as the teaching provided to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities as well as raising fears that the time of the staff was “spread too thinly.”
The report stated: “The provider takes time to get to know children and works with parents to gain the key information needed. They adapt the settling-in process to support the children and to help identify children's starting points in their development. Although there is a curriculum in place, this is not implemented for all children, including some children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
"Teaching is sometimes inconsistent. staff's time is often spread too thin for children to receive good levels of attention. As a result, there are times during the day when children are not well supported to learn as they play.”
The nursery was praised for its taking of swift action of concerns for children with SEND but did, however note that: “staff are too stretched to meet the needs of all children, particularly during the busier morning sessions. This means some children are left playing on their own for too long. Therefore, some gaps in children's learning do not close as quickly as possible.”
The report did also praise the nursery in a number of area.
it stated that: “Children are happy to approach staff for spontaneous cuddles when they need extra comfort. They form close attachments with staff, who are caring and nurturing.
"Staff understand how to support children to learn new language. They introduce new vocabulary as they play with children.
"Parents praise the care and education their children receive. Staff ensure that parents receive verbal feedback about their child's day. Parents, including parents whose children have SEND, feel well supported. Parents are happy with the progress their children are making.”
It further found that: “The provider is reflective of their own and the staff team's practice. They are aware of the challenges staff face and work to support their ongoing professional development. The provider has recently introduced more frequent observations of staff practice to help to raise the quality of teaching.”
Despite these findings, the nursery was still rated as ‘Requires Improvement’ in the four areas of quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
Due to its rating, the nursery is due to be reinspected within 12 months.
The report found that to further improve the quality of early years provision, the nursery should:
- Improve staff's understanding of behaviour management strategies so that they have a consistent approach to better support children's understanding of positive behaviour.
- Review and develop the organisation of routines to make transitions quicker and reduce the amount of time children spend waiting.
-Review the planning of the outdoor learning to ensure that it meets the needs of all the children.
The report can be viewed on the Ofsted website at: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY546492.
The Peterborough Telegraph has approached Acorn Academy Day Nursery Ltd for comment.