AN update is to be given on steps to improve leadership at a nursery slammed by inspectors.

In March, Blackburn with Darwen Council successfully applied to the Secretary of State for Education to remove the governing body at Longshaw Nursery School and Childcare Centre in Crosby Road, Blackburn.

A five-member interim executive board (IEB) was established, with each bringing a particular specialism covering school improvement, finance, HR, childcare and nursery provision

After replacing the governing body, the IEB undertook various audits to establish an accurate picture of finance and staffing.

Andrea Batley, head teacher at Longshaw Infants, has since undertaken a full analysis of all aspects of provision and will provide interim leadership until the end of this term.

There will be a staffing restructure, revised safeguarding arrangements and building improvements.

From September, the IEB will enter into a formal collaboration with Longshaw Infant School when Ms Batley will take up post as executive head over both schools for 12 months.

The decision to replace the five governors comes after Ofsted inspectors rated the nursery ‘inadequate’ following an inspection last May.

The Ofsted report highlighted issues around leadership and management but found nursery provision, in terms of teaching and outcomes for pupils, was to a ‘good’ standard.

Following the inspection the local authority applied to the Secretary of State to replace the existing governance arrangements.

At the time the governing body was sacked, letters were sent out to parents to explain the new governance arrangements.

One parent, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she was concerned about the council’s ‘heavy-handed’ approach as she claims security was hired to oversee the takeover and the locks inside and on the gates had been changed.

The centre’s governors said Blackburn with Darwen Council was largely to blame for the poor rating due to the ‘dire financial situation’ the nursery has been left in.

Council bosses said the governing body’s main priorities would be to support pupils, staff and parents and set out a clear plan of action for improvements over the next 12 months.

It was hoped the new executive board’s skills and experience would be invaluable in addressing the issues highlighted by Ofsted to make improvements.

Children’s services executive member Cllr Maureen Bateson will update members at the council forum next Thursday.

The meeting will take place at Blackburn town hall from 6pm on Thursday.