Worthing nursery's 'inadequate' rating from inspectors was 'big shock'; unrelated small school closure a 'very difficult decision'

Following an inspection in October 2022, Reflections Nursery, in Westerfields, Richmond Road, was rated as inadequate in all areas – overall effectiveness; quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development and leadership and management.

The nursery had been rated as outstanding after an inspection in October 2021.

Rik McShane, director of nurseries for Dukes Education, said: “It was a big shock. It’s not what we were expecting at all.

"There are parts of the report that we have raised with Ofsted, that we don’t agree with. Our focus has been on getting the team to look forward.

“We don’t think the report is a reflection of what goes on, on a daily basis. I am very proud of the team for how they have taken it as positively as they can and focused on working really hard to address those issues.

“Ofsted will be back for the next visit and we are feeling very positive about that visit."

What did inspectors say about the nursery?

According to the inspection report, breaches to the safeguarding and welfare requirements have a ‘significant impact’ on the safety and wellbeing of babies and toddlers.

Staff ‘do not have the knowledge, skills and confidence’ to ‘fulfil all aspects’ of their roles, including ‘keeping children safe from harm’. Staff are also ‘not deployed effectively to meet the safety needs of children’.

“Staff do not meet babies' individual and emotional needs or follow their routines,” the inspectors noted.

“Children's access to high-quality care and learning differs considerably across the age ranges. For example, staff do not provide babies with regular and quality interactions.