STAFF at a Hampshire pre-school are “disappointed” after it dropped from an ‘outstanding’ rating to ‘inadequate.’

Woodlands Pre-School in Netley Marsh has been rated ‘inadequate’ in the latest Ofsted report following an inspection on July 18.

The school of 25 children was given this rating across all four categories – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

READ MORE: Introducing Southampton’s answer to The Repair Shop

However, since the inspection, the pre-school has welcomed new management.

'Weak knowledge'

Manager Lisa Shaw said the school is now working with the local authority to implement improvements to “address challenges” raised.

Inspectors highlighted that children’s welfare and safety were compromised and the former manager (who was present at the time of inspection) “did not have a clear understanding of the safeguarding processes that should follow".

Daily Echo:

For example, when concerns were raised, she “had not taken further action” and had a “weak knowledge” of child protection.

Children were too often left to find their own learning, with little enhancement from staff.

This limited “purposeful learning” and prevented staff from building on what children already knew and needed to know next.

'Understandably disappointed'

Despite this, inspectors found that children had many opportunities to explore their surroundings.

They went on daily walks around the park and spent a “large part of their day” in the pre-school's allotment.

Lisa Shaw said: “Given our previous ‘outstanding’ rating and our consistent record of ‘good’ inspections before that, we are understandably disappointed.

“However, we were pleased the inspector highlighted in the report that children are well supported in their physical development and that staff are knowledgeable about the children’s interests.

“All staff have taken part in safeguarding training over the summer break to refresh and consolidate their knowledge, and new measures are now in place to strengthen our referral processes for children who require additional support.”

A new curriculum and routines to “further enhance children’s learning” has also been introduced.

Staff are attending behaviour management training so they can implement behaviour management plans effectively while continuing to recognise the effects of the pandemic on children’s behavioural development.

Lisa added: “Importantly, I’d like to thank the staff for their continued dedication and commitment to improving and I want to thank all of our families for their continued support while we work to turn around the current rating as rapidly as possible.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook