A PRE-SCHOOL has been slammed by the inspectorate and given the worst grade possible.

St Sebastian’s Pre-school, on Nine Mile Road, Finchampstead, received ‘Inadequate’ from Ofsted after it was determined staff did not meet requirements for safeguarding.

The report reads: “The managers do not maintain and implement a safeguarding policy in line with the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Staff safeguarding knowledge is not sufficient.

“They are unaware of the procedures to follow if they are concerned about children or in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff.

“Staff are not deployed effectively to ensure that children are adequately supervised. This significantly compromises children’s safety and well-being.

“The quality of teaching is poor. Staff do not use assessments effectively to identify where children are in their learning, and tailor activities to meet their individual learning needs. Parents are not always able to access information about children’s development.”

Jeanette Field, chairman of St Sebastian's Pre-school, explained that she took full responsibility once the report was made.

She said: “As chair I was extremely disappointed with the result of the Ofsted report. 

“Since the inspection I immediately addressed the concerns. 

“I have personally written to parents explaining the report. So far parents have been hugely supportive and positive.

“St Sebastian’s Pre-school is a safe, happy and special place for children from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. 

“We have places for funded two-year-olds who can learn, grow and develop in a happy and encouraging environment.

“All of our dedicated staff are attending a refresher course this week for safeguarding procedures. This will give them confidence to respond correctly to questions about policy, in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

“The passionate team are committed to serving the pre-school children and families.”