A NURSERY director has spoken of ‘extreme upset’ at receiving a damning Ofsted report.

Inspectors have told The Avenue Day Nursery near Andover to improve in all areas.

The childcare facility had been rated ‘good’ two years ago.

Based in Penton Mewsey, it is one of three privately-owned nurseries by The Avenue Day Nursery Partnership.

In the inspector’s report, for effectiveness of the leadership and management, it said: “Relevant improvement plans are in place, but these are mostly in the early stages of implementation.

“It is, therefore, too soon to see the impact of many of the actions.”

It added that staff and parents have reported positive changes.

These include having the correct staff-to-student ratio and having safeguarding arrangements that are effective.

For the nursery’s quality of teaching, learning and assessment, the report said that at times some older children “wander aimlessly or flit between activities with little learning taking place”.

The report said for personal development, behaviour and welfare, that “not all parents are aware of who their child’s key person is.

“Parental attendance at meetings to review their children’s progress is low.

“The management team has identified that more work is needed to build partnerships with parents following a difficult period for the nursery and they are addressing this directly”.

On outcomes for children, it said: “Most are able to focus their attention and concentrate for appropriate periods of time.

“However, there is more to do to develop some children’s personal, social and emotional skills to ensure they can all share, play co-operatively, listen to adults and manage their own behaviours”.

However, nursery director Amber Roots said: “We have all been extremely upset by the latest Ofsted report.

“Everyone works exceptionally hard to provide good quality care and a safe, secure and happy learning environment.

“As stated in the report ‘the staff are kind, caring and enthusiastic – the children enjoy their time at nursery’.

“The new management team have only been in place for a few weeks and have already made huge leaps forward.

“They have taken on the report’s findings and are working hard to address the issues raised.

“I have no doubt that the team will receive the improved grading they rightly deserve at their next inspection.

“I would like to thank all the staff and the parents for their continued support.”