A GOVERNING body has been sacked by a local authority following an ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has sacked the board of governors at Longshaw Nursery School and Childcare Centre, in Crosby Road, Blackburn last Monday and have now appointed a new interim executive board.

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

The Ofsted report highlighted issues around leadership and management at the children’s education facility but found nursery provision, in terms of teaching and outcomes for pupils, were to a ‘good’ standard.

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

The new interim board, which hasn’t been named, will be made up of a senior finance professional, a HR professional, a local childcare private provider, a retired head teacher and a senior member of school staff.

It has been tasked with delivering improvements after Ofsted’s recent judgement.

Cllr Dave Harling, who is the executive member for schools and education, said: “I am confident that we have a strong group of leaders in place and feel that their skills and experience will be invaluable in addressing the issues highlighted by Ofsted to make the required improvements.

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

“We look forward to working with the new board and build on the progress that is being made and would also like to thank the outgoing governing body for all their hard work.”

The nursery website has been deactivated since Monday but letters have been set 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 were hired to oversee the takeover and the locks inside and on the gates have been changed.

She said: “It’s like hitting an egg with a hammer.”

Lisa Wade, Longshaw Nursery School’s acting centre manager, said: “We are pleased that Ofsted recognised that the nursery provision here is ‘good’ and we are proud to have staff that go above and beyond to make sure all our children get the best start.

“We look forward to working with the new interim executive board who are already planning for the delivery of a clear and robust plan of action that will strengthen the governance arrangements and prepare the way for a new governing body to be in place.”