A NURSERY that was rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted earlier this year has had its rating upgraded after a follow up inspection found it had made significant improvements.

Middlewich Community Pre-School, in St Ann’s Walk, received the positive rating from the education watchdog for leadership, development, outcomes for children and quality of teaching.

In January this year, Ofsted found that the safeguarding in the school was ineffective and the quality of teaching was inconsistent but the latest report states that the problems have been addressed.

Inspector Susan King said: “The manager and practitioners have worked hard to improve the provision since the last inspection.

“For example, they devised a system for ensuring that progress checks for children aged between two and three years are completed.

“The manager and practitioners attend training that refreshes and extends their knowledge and understanding of child protection matters.”

The personal development of pupils was praised in the report due to the respect the children have for each other.

The inspector said: “Practitioners implement policies and procedures that help to promote children's welfare.

They are kind and caring role models. They establish consistent rules for behaviour and teach them effectively.

“For example, children express frustration about waiting their turn to launch the rocket.

“Practitioners firmly remind them about the turn-taking rule and then praise children for waiting. “This helps children to develop self-control and they learn to respect other people.”

Inspector King did see room for improvement in the nursery during her visit.

She said: “To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should focus more sharply on helping individual practitioners to develop an expert knowledge of teaching and learning and sharpen the teaching of early reading so that every child is challenged to the highest level and makes rapid progress.”

The manager at the pre-school was delighted with the report.

Elaine Johnson said: “Firstly we would like to thank our parents and families’ for their support over the past six months.

“We are all very pleased with the outcome.

“Our aims and goals are to ensure all children in our care are provided with the best possible outcomes and that both the children and parents are happy."