Wolverhampton nursery branded 'inadequate' in Ofsted report

The poor quality of teaching at a nursery school in Wolverhampton has been condemned by schools inspectors.

Safeguarding at the Nishkam Nursery was also highlighted as a concern in a damning report by Ofsted inspectors, which gave it an overall rating of 'inadequate.' A nursery governor has insisted the problems are being addressed.

The report's author Christine Armstrong said that 'poor quality' teaching was hindering progress of children at the Great Brickkiln Street nursery and that expectations of them were low.

She criticised staff for missing opportunities to help youngsters learn during play activities, instead taking a supervisory role. She also said that learning activities were not linked to children's interests or experiences and that, at times, children showed no interest.

See the full Ofsted report here

Lack of leadership was blamed for ineffective safeguarding. It was said the provider failed to tell the authorities following incidents that brought into question the suitability of staff.

Ms Armstrong said: "He fails to share relevant information with the appropriate agencies to help ensure that people looking after children are suitable to do so. He does not make adequate checks on the quality of teaching, some of which are largely due to the poor guidance and instruction given to staff."

The report noted that new staff were highly qualified and in some instances were successfully making improvements to the quality of teaching. But it said children were not sufficiently prepared for their next steps in learning.

"They are not making the typical progress expected for their age and abilities. Very young children's needs are often not recognised or met. Despite this, at times, children's natural curiosity and drive to play and learn shines through," said the inspector.

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The nursery was rated inadequate in all four categories – leadership, teaching, personal development and outcomes for children – following last month's Ofsted visit.

It was given a series of deadlines to meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage and the Childcare Register.

Nursery governor Parminder Singh claimed that the safeguarding criticism was based on one incident and did not involve the children directly.

He said the issue was over a disruptive member of staff who handed her notice in before action against her was taken and he therefore did not think he needed to inform the authorities.

He said: "There is no doubt that there is room for improvement where the quality of teaching and learning is concerned.

"It took us a bit of time to get to the bottom of it but we are now addressing the problem and it has already improved. No-one likes an inadequate rating but it will do good for the children in the long run."