A Lostock nursery which had been rated ‘outstanding’ has dropped two grades to ‘requires improvement’ in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors said not all children were taken outside daily and the provider told it had been breaching legal requirements – with first aid and attendance records not maintained.

Meadow Hill Education and Arts Nursery, located on Chorley New Road, received a ‘requires improvement’ rating in all areas following an Ofsted inspection. 

Its previous inspection was in 2018.

The nursery refused to directly comment on the rating to The Bolton News – instead instructing its solicitors to issue a statement refuting the report and insisting that the nursery remains ‘outstanding’ – despite the change of rating.

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The report, authored by Ofsted inspectors Kelly Little, Angela Rowley, and Alison Regan, says the nursery’s curriculum is ‘not designed carefully enough’ – with knowledge and skills not delivered to a ‘consistently good standard’.

But the report added: "The passionate nursery provider is ambitious for what children can achieve. They pride themselves on providing children with a rich set of experiences that enhance some of their learning."

The nursery was praised for identifying when children are falling behind in their learning.

But Ofsted added: "However, there are times when children do not get the support needed to help them remain engaged and fully included. This means that not all children enjoy, or get the most from, the activities provided."

Children at the nursery were also said to form strong friendships and share resources with others – with the premises described as ‘meticulously presented and safe’.

The inspection reported stated: "Children are well cared for. They arrive confidently and ready to start their day.

"At an early stage, children form strong friendships.

"They learn to wait for turns and to share resources. The strong partnerships that the nursery has developed with other professionals, support children to transition positively to school when the time comes."

Safeguarding was also said to be effective, with an ‘open and positive culture’ at the nursery "that puts children's interests first".

Some rooms in the nursery were described as having ‘limited play space and resources for the number of children’.

It was found that although the nursery had an ‘immaculately tended garden’ it was ‘not used to nurture children’s natural curiosity’ – with inspectors noting that not all children are taken outside daily, something the report said is ‘essential’ for good health.

While the report said there had been ‘no significant impact on children’s well-being’, the nursery’s records, including attendance and first-aid, had not been maintained, according to inspectors – which the report said hindered effective management.

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Inspectors noted that high priority is given to teaching traditional values.

The report states: "On arrival, children confidently say good morning.

"They use good manners and adhere to routines, such as lining up.

"However, the nursery's very high expectations for behaviour do not consistently build on children's different levels of understanding. For example, some young children struggle to sit with their hands on their knees.

"They also struggle to adhere to the strict rule of not touching the cutlery and cups as they wait for lunch to arrive.

"Sometimes, children are directed or are told 'no' without explanation. This hinders their learning of the reasons for rules and their progress towards regulating themselves."

In response to a request for comment, Meadow Hall nursery issued a statement through solicitors’ firm Fieldings Porter.

The statement reads: “The published OFSTED report does not reflect the true position at the nursery, which remains an outstanding centre for the education and care of pre-school children offering the highest quality teaching and activities.

“Management, staff and parents have joined together in objecting to the content of the official report.

“There are a number of concerning aspects about the way the inspection was conducted and the report prepared and published, and those irregularities are currently the subject of a legal challenge. The nursery is confident that the outcome of that challenge will be favourable. 

“In the meantime Meadowhill Nursery will continue to provide excellent care and education for all of its enrolled children.”

Ofsted has been approached for additional comment.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.