Tydd St Giles-based ABC Pre-School labelled ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted

ABC Pre-School celebrated receiving a ‘good’ rating in March 2014 following a difficult year in which two of its committee members died but has this year received another setback thanks to an ‘inadequate’ verdict.

Inspector Jacqueline Baker slammed the pre-school for failing to undertake DBS checks on all staff, as well as “not giving children enough time to gather their thoughts and respond to questioning or comments during activities”.

She said: “The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective. Even after being in a position of responsibility at the pre-school for some time, not all members of the committee have undergone current Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

“They have also not provided Ofsted with appropriate information so that further assessments can be made about their suitability.

“Children’s welfare is compromised because the procedures to assess the suitability of committee members and staff have not been followed.”

Staff were praised, however, for their relationships with the pre-school’s 15 children, who were described as “happy and confident”.

“Children make good progress from their starting points,” Ms Baker said.

“Staff know children exceptionally well and provide a wide variety of activities to capture their imagination and interest and children make good progress and benefit from the skilful teaching by staff and the stimulating activities.

“Children are well prepared for their move to school. Staff diligently plan activities and experiences to ensure children have the skills, independence and confidence they need for this important move. Children are busy, active learners who are developing their concentration and perseverance well.”

The pre-school had previously risen from ‘satisfactory’ to ‘good’ in 2014, with Ofsted saying: “Leadership and management of the pre-school is insightful and in a very short time the new manager has achieved highly positive results.”