Staff at a Bracknell pre-school have been slammed by education watchdogs after the school was downgraded in their latest inspection.
Ofsted inspectors visited Binfield pre-school on Monday, April 29 following their previous inspection in June 2018.
The school was previously rated ‘Good’ during its inspection by the state schools regulator.
But at the latest inspection this year, Ofsted representatives found that the quality of leadership and safeguarding has declined over the years.
Lead Inspector, Mandy Cooper said: “Current systems to monitor staff's ongoing suitability to work with children are not effective. This impacts on children's safety and well-being. Current staffing arrangements do not ensure that the role of the key person is fulfilled.
“Staff are poorly deployed, and this means that some children are often not cared for by familiar staff who they have built a secure relationship with. Staff do not prioritise the support they provide for children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).”
It was reported that during the visit, staff was not providing effective support to children with speech and language delay, including SEND students who sometimes were left to play alone.
Although it was acknowledged that where ‘practice was stronger’ children received support from staff, inspectors said that this was not consistent.
Whilst observing children during their play and learning, inspectors found that ‘busy staff’ did not engage with the children to make learning effective.
The Ofsted report said: “For instance, some children spend long periods of time playing alone with little interaction with staff. Children do not have positive attitudes towards learning. They become bored and do not engage fully in the activities that are on offer.”
A spokesperson from Binfield Pre-School expressed their disappointment at the Ofsted rating.
They said: “We were disappointed with the OFSTED outcome, however we have already developed a robust action plan to address the concerns raised.
“Some of these actions have already been completed and we will continue to address the concerns raised over the coming weeks.
“We are confident that we will be able to achieve a higher grade at the next inspection, which will take place within 6 months.”
Despite negative observations during the Ofsted visit, children were found to enjoy the indoor and outdoor activities that were planned. This included, playing musical instruments, dancing to sound, and exploring many ways to climb and balance on the outdoor climbing equipment.
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