Improved Keynsham pre-school earns ‘Good’ rating

IMPROVEMENTS at a Keynsham pre-school that was branded “inadequate” by Ofsted earlier this year have earned it a “good” rating after another inspection.

Queens Road Methodist Church Preschool said staff were “thrilled” by the latest rating, adding: “This reflects all the hard work of the manager and her team at the preschool to implement the improvement plan.”

After an inspection in February this year, Ofsted said children’s safety and welfare were compromised due to weaknesses in safeguarding arrangements.

Management was also criticised for not ensuring new members of the committee went through the required suitability checks with Ofsted, although the report was more positive about the children’s experiences at the pre-school.

But now the pre-school has been rated “good” in all areas, covering overall effectiveness, behaviours and attitude, personal development, and leadership and management.

Inspectors praised the manager’s hard work to support and upskill her team’s knowledge of the safeguarding procedures, and said arrangements for safeguarding are now effective. Staff are confident about what signs and symptoms may be indicators that a child is at risk.

Ofsted said staff are caring and friendly and that children have good relationships with them. Children behave well and create meaningful relationships. They love attending and make good progress.

Parents speak very positively about the pre-school and its staff, in particular parents of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, who say the manager can “never do enough” to help their family unit.

The pre-school, which has 48 children on its roll, also has an ambitious inclusive curriculum.

The pre-school said in a statement: “Staff, whilst disappointed at the findings of the report in February, used it as a learning opportunity.

“The result of the reinspection demonstrates their full commitment to making the changes highlighted and they are delighted with the outcome.”

It said parents have been advised of the latest Ofsted report and are encouraged to contact the pre-school if they have any questions.