By George Lythgoe – Local Democracy Reporter
A TAMESIDE nursery has made a dramatic turnaround after being put in special measures earlier this year.
Thorncliffe Barn nursery was hit with a damning Ofsted report back in June – where they were rated inadequate.
The education watchdog found ‘children’s safety had been compromised’ and that bosses did not properly vet new staff; had ineffective safeguarding procedures; and had a lack of knowledge on signs of abuse.
Since then, the Hyde nursery has made changes in order to reclaim its ‘good’ rating from Ofsted.
In stark contrast to last time, Ofsted’s most recent inspection rated the facility ‘good’ in all categories – education quality; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; and leadership.
Emma Savage, manager at Thorncliffe Barn, said: “After receiving an inadequate Ofsted rating back in June, I am extremely proud to say that we had an unannounced inspection on Monday, September 15 and received a very strong good rating.
“The sleepless nights, tears, anxiety and stress the previous rating spurred me on to pick myself up, work harder and ensure I had a quick turn around within the six-month timescale. I worked around the clock and even cancelled a holiday.
“Myself and my team have put in so much time and effort and have worked hard to pull together and achieve the rating that we deserve. The nursery has been open since 1991 and has always been a good setting so a discrepancy in our last inspection hit me hard.”
Inspector Lynn Richards visited the site based in the Thorncliffe area of Hollingworth on September 15. She described how children eagerly enter the nursery, greeted by ‘kind and nurturing’ staff.
Ms Richards went on to praise the education facility for their curriculum; implementation of proper vetting processes; arranged better safeguarding procedures; and updated staff training.
The inspection report, published on October 8, read: “Staff supervise children well and they are on hand to support children when small disputes arise. They help children to express their feelings and demonstrate ways to resolve conflicts.
“Children learn to consider their friends’ needs alongside their own. The nursery makes good use of its location. Children benefit from large open spaces to run, climb and balance. Staff plan these experiences to support children’s physical skills.
“Children make good progress in readiness for their eventual move to school.”