Pre-school told to improve by inspectors

Meadow Farm Pre-School in The Scout and Guide Headquarters, Field Crescent, Shrewsbury, was told the effectiveness of the leadership and management needed to improve after a visit by Ofsted inspectors last month.

The pre-school, which caters for children aged two to four, was rated as good in all other areas, but told it required improvement overall.

The report said that the committee did not ensure all members had suitability checks through Ofsted.

The pre-school had informed Ofsted of the new members, but the required information was not sent through so their suitability could be checked.

The report adds: "These members are not left unsupervised with children, do not work in the setting or have access to confidential information and, as such, risks from contact with unvetted adults are minimised.

"Procedures to ensure the safe recruitment of staff working with children are followed by those who are known to Ofsted and their suitability confirmed.

"Staff keep children safe and carry out risk assessments on a daily basis to ensure the premises are suitable. Safeguarding is effective."

Inspectors also pointed out that staff training does not consistently focus on enhancing staff's knowledge even further so they are able to extend the challenge consistently for older children.

But the inspectors did note that children and parents are "warmly welcomed" into the pre-school and staff know children well.

The report adds that managers have a good overview of children's progress, both for individuals and as groups.

It says: "Staff have developed an inviting and well-resourced outdoor area so children can gain a wide range of experiences and skills both indoors and outdoors."

The pre-school was told it must provide Ofsted with all the required documentation to complete suitability checks for the committee by tomorrow, and was told it should enhance the training and support programmes for staff's teaching skills and knowledge, and monitor the effectiveness of the new assessment system in identifying children's next stages in learning.

Meadow Farm Pre-School was contacted by the Shropshire Star to comment.