A nursery has been told it needs to improve after staff changes “contributed to a decline in the quality of education.”

Kiddiwinks Day Nursery in Worsthorne was, however, told that children did develop “some good, basic skills” to prepare them for the future.

The Ofsted report, following a visit on November 16, rated the Old Hall Square nursery as requires improvement in all areas having been rated good overall at its previous inspection in 2018.

Since the last inspection, there have been several staff and key personnel changes which contributed to what Ofsted says is a decline in the quality of education.

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Despite this, children “entered the nursery confidently, demonstrating they feel emotionally safe and secure.”

The report, published on January 3, said: “Although the quality of education is variable, children develop some good basic skills which prepare them for future learning.

“They confidently interact with staff and visitors, listen attentively, and show a keen interest in stories, writing, and counting.

“Children show increasing independence and self-care skills. For example, they wash their hands before having snacks and meals.

“Children enjoy a wide range of outings in the local area. In addition to experiencing nature, children see and talk to the people who live and work in their local community. This helps them to develop an understanding of diversity beyond their immediate family.”

Though the nursery was rated as requires improvement, inspectors noted that new staff and apprentices are beginning to benefit from the induction and supervision arrangements.

The report continued: “Staff exchange information with parents in a range of ways, which keeps them well informed about their child’s day and progress.

“Parents receive information electronically, through newsletters and at the door when collecting their child.

“Staff also support parents to extend their children’s learning at home. One of the ways th forey do this is to provide reading books and activity packs mathematics and messy play, which children taken home.”

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One of the main improvements suggested by inspectors was for leaders to better consider the best way to deploy staff.

They said: “For example, when repairs are not completed in a timely way, leaders make sure that staff supervise such areas closely to help keep children safe. However, this takes staff away from interacting with the children. This lessens their ability to focus on children’s learning needs.”

The safeguarding measures at the nursery were deemed to be effective.

The nursery employs 10 members of childcare staff.

The next inspection will be within the next 12 months.

Kiddiwinks Nursery was approached for comment.