The manager of a nursery that was told it ‘requires improvement’ has hit back at an “overtly negative” Ofsted inspector.

Inspectors claimed that Bush-E-Babes staff sometimes looked “disinterested” and on occasion let children wander with “no purpose” after their unannounced visit on March 15, 2022.

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But Jannine Yadid, the owner of the nursery, said she “did not agree with the findings” specified in the report and that the inspector did not take into consideration of the many Special Educational Needs (SEN) children.

She said: “With regards to the quality of education during these activities, all of the children were engaged and participating and for the children that did not want to participate in this activity, there were other learning opportunities that were accessible.”

During circle time, the manager claims staff were engaging with children in song – but acknowledges two children were briefly disengaged because one has special educational needs and another speaking little English.

Given that the two kids formed a strong bond, she said: “I felt that there was no need to disrupt as we were moving onto another activity involving bricks to measure each other’s heights.”

Watford Observer: A stock image of an inspector. Credit: PixabayA stock image of an inspector. Credit: Pixabay

There were other instances, where she felt that special needs and how staff treated the kids were not being considered by the inspectors.

Ms Yadid said: “We are working tirelessly with Hertfordshire County Council, the Early Years Inclusion Officers, SALT (Speech and Language advisors), and Special Educational Need officers, to ensure that these children receive the full inclusive support and education together with my PVI setting and a network of support staff.”

She concluded: “I feel the inspector did not take into consideration our high level of SEN children and how we facilitate them and their families.

“Nor did she recognise the improvements we continue to make to keep the children healthy and safe, making way to a positive and rewarding learning experience.”

The report did note that the manager “strives to provide inclusive care and education” to all children and is clear about what children need to learn and why.

Relationships between staff and the children also appeared positive, according to the report.