Schools & Education · Reading
Reading Council-run nursery told to improve after Ofsted inspection
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The Lodge Day Nursery in Coronation Square has been told to address six areas of concern following a critical Ofsted inspection report.
A Reading council-run nursery has been identified as requiring improvement across all six areas assessed by education inspectors. The Lodge Day Nursery, situated in Coronation Square, was subject to an Ofsted inspection on 17 September, which raised significant concerns regarding the consistency of care and learning provided to children.
Inspectors highlighted a series of shortcomings, noting that teaching quality, behaviour and attitudes, and children's welfare were inconsistent. The report also indicated that the nursery's curriculum and leadership required urgent attention to ensure children receive the progress they are capable of.
Ofsted pointed to a lack of sufficiently purposeful activities tailored to individual needs. The inspection findings noted that both babies and pre-school children were observed wandering without clear direction when outdoors, with the outdoor curriculum failing to provide sufficiently engaging experiences to support their learning progression. Inspectors also highlighted that pre-school children sometimes engaged in disputes over resources, and noted that children frequently preferred indoor activities where staff interactions and stimulation were more readily available.
Despite the critical assessment of these areas, inspectors did commend the nursery for its work in communication and language. The report noted that staff are successful in helping children develop physical skills through active play and that children are supported by caring staff who respond sensitively to their needs, such as offering comfort when required.
Reading Borough Council, which operates the nursery as part of its statutory duties, has acknowledged the findings. A council spokesperson stated that the nursery's new leadership team has already begun taking action to rectify the issues raised by inspectors. The local authority confirmed that all necessary actions requested by Ofsted are either complete or scheduled for completion by 27 November.
The council remains optimistic about the facility's trajectory, stating that the nursery is making strong progress and that it is prepared for a follow-up inspection by Ofsted next year.
Source: Reading Chronicle · View original