In their previous Ofsted inspection in 2020, they received an overall rating of ‘good’

A pre-school just over the Cambridgeshire border in Hertfordshire has been told it ‘needs attention’ by Ofsted. After dropping from an overall ‘good’ rating in their previous inspection, staff members at Ladybird Playgroup & Pre-school in Thriplow said that they “recognise some areas need enhancing” and are “already taking action”.

The report, which was published on Monday, March 2, said that some children make “varied progress through the curriculum due to inconsistencies in teaching”.

The report also states: “Children are independent individuals and thrive in carrying out appropriate responsibilities, such as taking turns to be the helper of the day.”

The pre-school was judged ‘needs attention’ for five categories assessed: achievement, behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance.

The safeguarding standards were met and children’s welfare and wellbeing was graded at ‘expected standard’.

Ofsted awarded a rating of overall ‘good’ in their previous inspection in 2020.

The report said: “Older children are learning to navigate their emotions. However, when older children display unkind behaviour, such as shouting at friends in frustration or throwing resources, staff tell them to stop but do not always help them to understand their own and others’ feelings.”

As a result, the inspection found that “staff do not fully support children to develop the skills needed to regulate their behaviour”.

The report continued: “Leaders recognise that staff need to strengthen their skills to help children manage their emotions but have not yet taken effective action to do so.”

A spokesperson for Ladybird Playgroup and Pre-school in Thriplow said: “We were one of the first settings assessed under Ofsted’s new framework. We’re pleased the inspection recognised the good work we are doing, particularly around safeguarding and children’s wellbeing.

“We recognise some areas need enhancing and we are already taking action. The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care remains our top priority.”

Ofsted praised the staff for working well as a team, and encouraging children to develop a love of books. The report recognises that children feel “relaxed, safe and secure”, and that they “build secure relationships with their key person and seek them out for reassurance when needed”.