WITH an overwhelming choice of childcare providers in Colchester it can be hard to decide which nursery is right for your child.
One of the factors parents and carers consider is ratings given by the education watchdog Ofsted.
Following a visit there are four possible outcomes: 'outstanding', 'good', 'requires improvement', or 'inadequate'.
Inspectors will also make graded judgments on four areas using the same four-point scale: quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; and leadership and management.
Several inspections have been conducted in recent months.
Here’s a round-up of the nurseries in Colchester which were deemed 'inadequate' by Ofsted at their latest inspection.
Inadequate nurseries in Colchester 2023
St John’s Green Playgroup
The childcare provider, in St John’s Green, Colchester, received the lowest rating in all four areas of its latest inspection in July.
The Beeches Pre-school
The pre-school, in St Andrews Avenue, Colchester, was visited by Ofsted in March and was graded 'inadequate' in all four areas of its inspection.
Nursery boss Elaine Beecham said she was greatly disappointed by the rating.
Mrs Beecham added: "We have taken on board feedback from Ofsted and immediately created a robust action plan to address the issues raised.
"The action plan was implemented and we feel the welfare requirements highlighted have now been fully addressed within the timeframe given.
"We believe the changes now in place meet the requirements specified. We hope Ofsted's next visit will confirm this belief."
Banana Moon
This nursery, in St Helens Lane, Colchester, also received the lowest rating across the board following an inspection in June.
Puddleducks Pre-school
Puddleducks Pre-school, in Recreation Road, Colchester, was visited by an Ofsted inspector in July.
It received an overall rating of 'inadequate' despite being deemed 'good' in two areas of the inspection.
Staff thanked parents who contacted the pre-school with messages of support following the inspection.
A spokesman added: “We are working hard with our early years education partner to improve this grading and have an action plan in place to support staff to further their knowledge and understanding of female genital mutilation, radicalisation, and exploitation, including the signs and symptoms that children may be at risk.
“We have provided high quality care and education for the children of families in the community of New Town for the past 28 years, within a safe and stimulating environment, meeting children’s individual needs and we will continue to do this to the best of our ability.”
St John’s Green Playgroup and Banana Moon were also approached for comment after Ofsted published its findings.
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