A Huntingdonshire nursery has said that it "expected" a 'requires improvement' rating from Ofsted.

Clarence House Nursery, in Papworth Everard, suffered a blow to its Ofsted rating in July 2024, after it was previously found to be 'good' by the organisation in 2022. 

The report found that the nursery requires improvement in all areas.

While staff were described as "kind and caring", who have "close relationships" with the children and babies, the report found "inconsistencies" in the children's learning.

Ofsted inspector Ms Carly Mooney said that this meant the children "were not always getting the education they deserve".

The report said that leaders "have established a curriculum that helps build on what children know and can do.

"They are working hard to raise standards and are focused on implementing change."

It also found that staff are quick to identify children who may need additional learning support and that children and babies are very happy with activities.

The Ofsted report has set out a list of requirements that Clarence House must adhere to by October 2024. They are:

  • Improve the quality of teaching and how the curriculum is delivered
  • Implement training and professional development opportunities
  • Ensure that children have rich opportunities to develop their communication and language skills
  • Improve staff understanding and practice of how to support children's behaviour in an appropriate way

A spokesperson for Clarence House Nursery told The Hunts Post: "Whilst not an outcome we would have hoped for, it was expected.

"We had recently completed an audit of the teaching and learning within the Papworth setting and had already identified areas that require improvement.

"Our head office team is working closely with the nursery manager and the nursery team, together they have put a comprehensive training plan in place particularly to support the newest members of our team, who are at the very beginning of their professional careers in childcare.

"We’re very confident that the nursery will go from strength to strength and are happy to be revisited at any time. We’re very thankful to our very supportive families whose children attend our nursery."