'Safeguarding concerns' at Heslington Pre-school in York

The education watchdog visited Heslington Pre-School, based on the grounds of Lord Deramore's Primary School, on May 23.

The pre-school was previously rated good in November 2014 but has now been handed the lowest rating after being judged inadequate in all areas.

Inspector Laura Hoyland said: "Staff do not know and understand how to recognise children who may be at risk of harm and respond quickly. Arrangements for safeguarding are not effective. The manager is the lead safeguarding officer, but she does not take swift action to protect children that may be at risk of harm."

But a spokesman for the pre-school said they "strongly contest" the rating and added that a formal complaint has been made to Ofsted about the report.

Ms Hoyland also criticised staff for not supporting children who speak English as a second language and said youngsters are not well-prepared to start school.

The report said: "Staff do not challenge children in their play. Children are not adequately prepared for school as they do not make enough progress in their learning."

But inspectors praised staff for being "welcoming and supportive."

The report added: "The manager creates positive relationships with local schools to support children's move between settings. Parents are complimentary about the staff team and how well their children have settled. The staff team is long-standing and all staff members enjoy working in the setting."

A spokesman for the pre-school said: "We strongly contest this rating and are awaiting the outcome of a formal complaint to Ofsted. We will be not be commenting any further on the inspection or the report findings until the completion of Ofsted’s complaints process."

Editor’s note: We have been asked to make it clear that Heslington Pre-school group is a completely separate organisation to the Kids Kabin after-school club, which shares the same building on the Lord Deramore’s Primary School site. Kids Kabin is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.