Upminster nursery rated good after latest Ofsted inspection

Little Adventures Nursery, in Severn Drive, Upminster, was given the education watchdog's lowest 'inadequate' rating overall in a report published on August 23 after a visit by inspectors on February 28.

They rated the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management at the nursery as 'inadequate'.

Their report had pointed out irregularities in health and safety arrangements at the nursery and said that staff “do not always risk assess the suitability of the activities they provide for children” and this can make “play unsafe”.

The nursery however had opposed these views and alleged that the inspection was “not in line with the Early Years Inspection Handbook (EYIH)”.

A spokesperson for the nursery had earlier told the Recorder that they believed the report contained “factual inaccuracies” and “misrepresentations of discussions and observations on the day”.

Pupils reportedly visit a Forest School regularly (Image: Little Adventurers Nursery)She had claimed that the nursery is continuing to pursue “the legal process in regard to the February inspection” against Ofsted.

Following the dispute, the site was revisited by Ofsted inspectors on August 21.

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In the new report published on October 9, the nursery has received the second highest overall rating of 'good', with the safeguarding arrangements now considered to be effective.

The nursery's quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management were all rated highly in the report.

It said the manager “observes and assess how staff implement the curriculum” and evaluates its impact on pupils, adding the curriculum is “exciting, challenging and child-focused”.

The nursery's veggie patch at St Luke's Church (Image: Little Adventurers Nursery)Inspector Anja Eribake wrote: “All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language, receive good support from staff.”

The report said children are “thriving at this setting” and that there is a “real sense of community and a focus on family”.

Pupils frequently visit the local community - such as an allotment and a forest school - and learn about “respect, resilience and independence through these activities”, it said.

The inspectors noted that since the last inspection, the manager and staff have reviewed their procedures and put in place measures to ensure the well-being and safety of pupils.

A spokesperson for the nursery told the Recorder that while it is still following a legal process to dispute the findings of the former report, they are “pleased” that an inspector has “seen the nursery in its true light”.

Community visitors at the nursery (Image: Little Adventurers Nursery)Manager Ginny Andreas further praised the dedication and professionalism of the staff and said: “We never take the trust and privilege parents place in us for granted; we know that choosing a nursery for your child is one of the biggest decisions parents make.

“We are a special nursery who devote ourselves to offering a rich childhood and parents can see the wonderful relationships between every staff member and the children when visiting.”

 “We have many long-standing parents who return with young siblings because they see how their children develop and thrive as they grow with us. I am so proud of everything we have achieved.”