Preschool Slams Ofsted Rating Plunge as Safeguarding Concerns Undermined
A pre-school in Canterbury is disputing its recent Ofsted rating decline from good to inadequate. Squirrels pre-school received criticism from the watchdog regarding its safeguarding processes, but the establishment argues that the downgrade is unjustified.
According to the report, the designated leads for safeguarding at Squirrels pre-school failed to consistently follow up on potential risks to children’s safety and well-being. The inspectors highlighted issues with obtaining full explanations of pre-existing injuries and initiating communication with other professionals working with vulnerable children. The report also pointed out that records for children were not kept up to date, potentially hindering risk prevention measures.
However, when contacted by KentOnline, a trustee from Squirrels pre-school expressed disagreement with some aspects of the report. Isabelle Gollogly stated that the staff disagreed with the inadequate rating and explained that the issue raised by Ofsted related to safeguarding paperwork. She emphasized that the pre-school always takes note of any signs of injury on a child and that there were no concerns regarding any of the children’s well-being.
In the report, the inspectors acknowledged the positive aspects of Squirrels pre-school, such as supportive and engaged staff, and thriving children with close bonds to their teachers. The curriculum was also found to cater to children’s interests, learning needs, and developmental stages.
While two out of four categories received an inadequate rating in the report, personal development and leadership and management, Squirrels pre-school was rated as good in quality of education and behavior and attitudes.
Following the downgrade, Squirrels pre-school has been instructed to implement robust procedures for monitoring concerns about children’s welfare and to improve activity planning.
Ms. Gollogly mentioned that the pre-school has been working closely with Kent County Council to revise safeguarding procedures and documentation methods over the past few weeks. She expressed confidence in a successful re-inspection, hoping for an early opportunity to reassess the pre-school’s rating.
As the pre-school engages in revising its safeguarding procedures and aims to improve its rating, it remains committed to nurturing the happy and confident environment that the children at Squirrels pre-school currently experience.
