A NURSERY is to close down after it was labelled ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted.

The Bowland Montessori Pre-School in Clitheroe will have its funding withdrawn after it was slammed by inspectors who raised concerns about hygiene risks and children’s safety.

School bosses said funding could be withdrawn within four weeks but staff will stay on unpaid until the end of the academic year to minimise disruption to youngsters.

The formerly ‘good’ pre-school, which is based at St James CE Primary School in Greenacre Street, has 29 children on the roll and employs four members of staff.

Inspector Jennifer Kennaugh said ‘risks to children’s welfare are not always managed effectively during outdoor activities, including from hygiene risks.

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She said: “Staffing arrangements do not always promote children’s needs and their safety, when outdoor activities are provided.

“Staff who handle food have not had relevant training in food hygiene.

"Children do not receive consistently effective teaching which helps them to understand when and why handwashing contributes to their good health.”

However she said children make good progress towards readiness for school in almost all areas and parents praised the range of activities offered.

Owner Nancy Bigmore, who set up the pre-school 10 years ago, said she was ‘very upset’ by the report.

She said: “The parents are up in arms about it.

"They have said what an outrage it is and do not believe it because of the lovely experience their children had.”

“It is very frustrating and disappointing. I have put my heart and soul into this school."

Bob Stott, Lancashire County Council’s director for education, schools and care, said the council has a responsibility to spend public money properly and their policy is to fund only those settings judged to be good or outstanding.