York nursery rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted – despite praise from parents

A York nursery has been rated ‘inadequate’ after an Ofsted inspection, even though parents ‘cannot praise the new staff team enough’.

An inspector visited Happy Jays Nursery, on Audax Close, on 15 December, and Ofsted published the report today (Thursday).

It was a follow-up to an October inspection, when the nursery was first rated inadequate.

In her report, the inspector wrote: “Although many improvements have been made since the last inspection, the setting remains inadequate, which has a negative impact on outcomes for children.”

Staff deployment was not effective, which meant new children “were unable to spend time with their dedicated person”.

“Children were stressed and became upset and withdrawn, choosing not to explore and play.”

Staff-to-child ratios were not always maintained, which had a negative effect on the wellbeing of some children.

“Despite this, most children arrive happy and are keen to explore the improved play areas. In general, children behave well. They have positive relationships with the new staff team who are well qualified, friendly and caring,” the inspector wrote.

The senior management team are committed to improving all areas of the nursery, the report says, but progress was slower than hoped due to difficulties in recruiting high quality staff.

“Parents spoken to during the inspection cannot praise the new staff team enough for supporting their children’s development. They say they have recently noticed big improvements in their child’s confidence, speech and self-care skills,” the inspector wrote.

She also praised provision for children with special educational needs, the nutritious lunches provided by the chef, and the effective safeguarding.

After the inspection, Ofsted issued a notice requiring the nursery to make three key improvements by 5 January. An update on 23 January said all these improvements had been met.

You can read the report and the update on the Ofsted website here.