Ofsted deem Little Advocates nursery as 'inadequate'

The Little Advocates Montessori Nursery, in Leylands Lane, Heaton, was visited by the education watchdog on July 30 this year.

It received inadequate ratings for effectiveness of leadership and management, as well as for personal development, behaviour and welfare.

For the other two categories – quality of teaching, learning and assessment, and outcomes for children – the nursery was rated as “requires improvement”.

Caroline Hullah, manager of the nursery, said: "“Not only has this inspection devastated both myself and my staff, who have all excelled ourselves within the first year of opening the nursery to that of a very high standard, parents whose children attend are also very shocked to hear of this news, commenting how their own children’s learning and development is thriving, and parents have never seen the nursery out of staff to child ratios.

“Some parents have made their own personal complaints to Ofsted in relation to the report and recently received an email back from Ofsted explaining their views as a third party will not be taken into account.

“This I feel in itself is unacceptable as the views of the parents whose children attend each day are the most important people to be heard.”

Ms Hullah took issue with a key finding of the report which said: “Parents are not always given information about accidents and injuries involving their child and the changes to key-person arrangements.

"As a result, they are not fully informed about the child’s care and welfare during their time in the setting.”

But Ms Hullah replied: “We are confused about the statement made in relation to accidents, due to evidence of all injuries that have occurred at nursery over the year.

"We have a filed copy of all accidents which was shown to the inspector on the day.”

She added that all issues within the report have already been address and the nursery is working with Ofsted and the local authority.

One of the stated requirements for improvement was to maintain adult-to-child ratios at all times and improve staff deployment.

This related to another key finding of the inspection.

The report said: “The frequent changes to the key-person arrangements, and moving children from room to room to try to meet staff-to-child ratios, do not support children’s learning or wellbeing.”

Mrs Hullah said: “We have two rooms within our nursery one being our baby room and the other our mixed age room. Children from the baby room come through to our dining area of the larger room to eat their meals and we share the outdoor space together. “ The inspection also found issues with children’s’ safety, as well as staff not receiving the support, coaching and training they require, due to managers having to spend time caring as well.

There were a number of positive elements picked out by the inspector. Ofsted was impressed with the healthy and nutritious meals on offer, which help to promote good health.

The report also states: “Children are mainly confident and motivated throughout their play.

"They enjoy exploring resources and playing alongside each other.

“Staff sit with babies and toddlers and provide toys that engage their interest. Staff make frequent observations of children to help inform the assessment process.”

Mrs Hullah said: “Not only has this inspection devastated both myself and my staff, who have all excelled ourselves within the first year of opening the nursery to that of a very high standard, parents whose children attend are also very shocked to hear of this news, commenting how their own children’s learning and development is thriving, and parents have never seen the nursery out of staff to child ratios.

“Some parents have made their own personal complaints to Ofsted in relation to the report and recently received an email back from Ofsted explaining their views as a third party will not be taken into account.

“This I feel in itself is unacceptable as the views of the parents whose children attend each day are the most important people to be heard.”