A PRE-school just outside Worcester has been downgraded in its latest Ofsted report.

Great Witley Pre-school and Playgroup has been rated "requires improvement" by Ofsted after having been "outstanding" at its previous inspection.

It was previously inspected in 2015 and given the top rating by Ofsted inspectors, but this year has been downgraded. 

Mandy Morris, manager of the preschool, requested a deferral for the inspection as two staff members were off the day of the inspection. However, this request was turned down.

Ofsted found the quality of education across the preschool to be inconsistent and that sometimes children are not "supported or stimulated" well enough. 

Inspectors said: "Since the pandemic, there have been staff changes at the pre-school.

"The manager reports not being able to monitor the provision as well as she would like.

"This has led to the manager not identifying areas for staff's professional development."

They added: "The curriculum is not securely embedded.

"Some children, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are not always supported effectively.

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"Staff do not consistently provide them with a language-rich environment.

"At times, there are limited physical opportunities for them."

However, Ofsted inspectors found that children are "happy and confident" and feel "safe and secure."

They behave well and know the motto that they will use "kind hands, kind words and a kind heart."

Inspectors also found that parents have a good relationship with staff at the preschool.

Mandy Morris, manager of the playgroup, said: "I've actually had several inspections of the preschool and the previous one was outstanding, which is what I had ranked us as in our self-evaluation this time.

"The practice hasn't changed and staff training hasn't changed.

"We are strong on social, emotional and mental health here because we believe that if a child isn't secure in those areas then how can we expect them to learn?

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"When we received the notification from Ofsted about their visit we had two staff members off so I requested to defer the inspection but it was turned down.

"I do hold my hands up but as a manager, I would have preferred two more members of staff.

"But, we have to do the best we can on the day.

"We have two new members of staff starting next week."