A SLIP UP by the management of a formerly ‘outstanding’ rated nursery has resulted in it being downgraded.

St Michael’s School House nursery in Crowthorne boasted top marks in its previous Ofsted report, but failure to notify the watchdog about its change of directors left a critical gap in the requirements.

Ofsted subsequently handed the school with a ‘requires improvement’ rating.

By not notifying about its change of circumstance, Ofsted had at the time not been able to carry out checks that ensures all the directors are suitable to be involved in the running of a nursery and this was noted as a “breach of requirements”.

The managerial changes had also resulted in the ‘outstanding’ level not being maintained and the inspector said staff have not received effective supervision to support them in their role for ‘some time.’

However, the report has not resulted in dwindling support from parents, who continue to speak very highly of the nursery and the level of education their children are receiving.

The staff also have very strong and nurturing relationships with the pupils meaning they children receive the security they need to develop their confidence and emotional well-being.

The nursery has vowed to return to the former ‘outstanding’ level it was at prior to the managerial changes.

St Michael’s School House nursery director Steve Wells, said: “Although the inspector was very complimentary about the quality of teaching and learning and of children’s development, because recent management and directorship changes had not been reported, they were only allowed to assess School House as “Requires Improvement”.

Most of these shortcomings have already been addressed. Ofsted consider that our new manager, Agata Payne, ‘… is enthusiastic and passionate about her role and has identified many areas for improvement, but has not been in post long enough to put these into practice’.

"We are confident of a much improved assessment later this year.”